Cairo

2024-05-08

 Israel pledged to keep up its as its negotiators joined hostage talks in Cairo and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with CIA Director William Burns on Wednesday. “We will continue to keep up the military pressure on Hamas,” Israel government spokesperson Avi Hyman told reporters in Jerusalem. “We know from the last that we needed both the military pressure and the diplomatic channel” to successfully reach a deal, he said, referring to the November agreement that saw the release of 105 hostages. “Ultimately, Hamas was brought down to their knees begging… for a bit of respite, for a break in the fighting” and agreed to release captives, Hyman said. “We are continuing on our as part of the war aims because the last four battalions of Hamas are there. We will destroy them.Palestinians inspect the site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip May 7, 2024. (credit: REUTERS/Hatem Khaled) “But certainly, that pressure is up on Hamas. We can see that they feel it,” he said. Hyman spoke one day after Israel seized the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing into Egypt, and as the IDF bombed Hamas targets in eastern Rafah. Israel has hoped that the Rafah operation would press Hamas to show flexibility in talks, where it has insisted on trading a hostage deal for a permanent ceasefire. Netanyahu has insisted that the IDF must be allowed to finish its military operation to oust Hamas from Gaza. Israel had put forward a three-phased proposal that would pause the war for some 120 days, and allow for all the remaining 132 captives to be freed, starting with 33 hostages in the first 40 days. Hamas put forward a counter-proposal, one that – significantly – did not promise to deliver 33 live hostages in the first phase, explaining that they could be dead or alive. Their proposal also delays the release of the captives and the pace of their release. Burns met with Netanyahu in Israel on Wednesday, in an attempt to narrow the gaps. He also spoke with Mossad Chief David Barnea. Separately, an Israeli team participated in indirect talks in Cairo, talks that also included a Hamas delegation and officials from the mediating countries Egypt and Qatar. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-08

Some Israelis maintain a tradition of noting the 10 days between on Monday and Remembrance Day and Independence Day next week as the “10 Days of Gratitude.” Though it may seem preposterous or even rude to acknowledge such a notion during the times of and tragedy, the ability to recognize and show gratitude is never unworthy. It might even provide a much-needed ray of hope. Perhaps the prime example of this sentiment are the two words “Beyachad nenatzeach” (United, we will win,) the slogan that was quick to appear after October 7 and has permeated since, visible on street signs, on balconies of people’s homes, and at . As the months drag on (Monday marked seven months since October 7,) the exasperation, trauma, pain, horror, and exhaustion only grow; it becomes hard to see beyond. Hostage families are trying every way they can to push the government to cement a plan to bring their loved ones home and over the weeks and months the protests have intensified. Civilians, along with some hostage family members, have been taking to the streets almost daily as clashes with police have turned more violent, while only on Monday night, other protesters blocked trucks near Latrun. These trucks were carrying aid to Gaza and emptied the contents onto the highway. Israelis gather in Tel Aviv for the release of Gaza hostages on November 25, 2023 (credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV) Hamas saying ‘yes’ to a deal, even though it contains terms Israel cannot agree to and is an altered version of what Jerusalem originally approved, lifted the heavy weight of the last seven months just a little; it was a breath of fresh air, especially for the families. On Monday night, however, the rage and exasperation intensified when it became evident that Hamas’s apparent ‘yes’ was not what it seemed and that further talks were necessary to secure an agreeable deal. The thread of hope that started with that ‘yes’ resumed when, later that night, Israel said it would send a team of negotiators to Cairo. Palestinians in Rafah celebrated, and Israelis angrily took to the streets, fueled by a terrifying sense of a possible missed opportunity. These feelings are more than justified, and there are no words that would be appropriate to try and assuage them. But perhaps there can be room now for something else as well, along with the activism, the accountability, and the anger: to “shine a spotlight on all that is good and beautiful in our personal lives and to delve deeper into the concept of gratitude – towards us and society, the nation, and the country.” This is the stated goal of Mabua, a full-spectrum religious communal beit midrash (study hall) and social center based in Jerusalem, though it has other locations throughout the country. Its events will culminate in coordinated, joint reading ceremonies of the Declaration of Independence on the morning of Independence Day. This act takes a moment to zoom out of the present and address the historical significance of the Jewish people’s stubborn continuity. This event is one of its kind, yet the sentiment remains relevant and capable of expansion. This is not a cynical call for unity; our society has so much to heal from and work towards. But the pain can be held while noting a personal responsibility to every Israeli individual: adopt radical listening, especially to those whom you disagree with, and step outside the comfort zone of your echo chamber. Now is the time. We Jews, moved by our calendar, should use it now to remind us of our untethered link as a nation, with Holocaust Memorial Day still echoing in our ears and Remembrance and Independence Day looming ahead. Remembering that for a day or two, or even just a moment, may help contextualize the insane times we are experiencing daily and perhaps shape the vision for the State of Israel moving forward. The vision was shattered on October 7 and now needs redefining. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-08

Day 215 of Israel at war: Israeli forces have entered Rafah in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday. The Prime Minister and war cabinet said the move is aimed at securing the release of abducted citizens and crippling Hamas to the point it cannot retake control of Gaza.  At the same time, a working group of Israeli negotiators was dispatched to Cairo, with the White House confirming that all of the parties had agreed to continue on the mediation track to try to reach a ceasefire deal, despite the limited operation in Rafah. Hamas had responded on Monday with a counterproposal, with the White House saying that it differed greatly from the original offer. To catch up on the full events from Tuesday . Read more in-depth updates on the . Senior Palestinian official says the PA 'opposes all attempts to damage the sovereignty shared by the Palestinians and the Egyptians at Rafah crossing' Writing on X, the secretary of the PLO Executive Committee, Hussein al-Sheikh, was responding to reports that after the IDF withdraws from Rafah it plans to cede control over the crossing to foreign parties.  IDF says it is conducting targeted operations in eastern Rafah where it located tunnel shafts and Hamas infrastructure The IDF spokesperson added that terrorists were eliminated in several encounters throughout the past day, and Israeli fighter jets and UAVs have struck over 100 terror targets throughout Gaza in the past day. New video helped determine murder of Lior Rudaeff on October 7, which was announced Tuesday Professor Ofer Marin, director of the Sha'are Zedek Medical Center and a member of the committee that examines the situation of abductees revealed on Wednesday how Israel was able to determine the death of Lior Rudaeff seven months after his murder. Speaking to Israeli radio, he said a new video was obtained over the weekend which helped close the case. Without specifying the source of the video, Professor Marin said Hamas had extensively documented the October 7 massacre on GoPro cameras, and there are security cameras inside Gaza. As the IDF operations have progressed across Gaza, the army has been able to retrieve new documentation that the committee has reviewed. Rocket alert sirens sound in communities on Israel-Lebanon border This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking manage preferences. Foreign Minister Katz: Recognizing a Palestinian state after October 7 means rewarding Hamas for murdering over 1,000 Israelis In a post on X, Foreign Minister Israel Katz went on to say, "It means giving a prize to the Iranian Regime. It means living with the possibility of another October 7. The only way to promote peace is through direct negotiations, within the framework of a regional normalization process.  This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking manage preferences. IDF issues order prohibiting agricultural work within 0 to 4 kilometers of the Gaza border due to heightened security situation Initial report of direct impact in Metula following rocket barrage in northern Israel Rocket alert sirens sound in the western Galilee region of northern Israel Official document released listing the 132 hostages still held by Hamas Kerem Shalom crossing on Israel-Gaza border reopens  COGAT confirmed the crossing had been reopened to allow for the passage of humanitarian aid, in line with statements from the White House made on Tuesday. The humanitarian crossing was closed on Sunday following a deadly attack launched by Hamas. Qatar condemns Israeli incursion into Rafah and calls for full protection of civilians In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Minister called for "urgent international action to prevent an invasion of Rafah, which would lead to the crime of mass destruction." Families of hostages held in Gaza hold protest in Tel Aviv The marchers descended on the Ayalon highway demanding the government reach a hostage release deal with Hamas. Traffic was blocked in the northbound lanes, and Israel Police said they would act to allow freedom of expression while preventing disorder that affects public security and wellbeing. CIA chief William Burns due to arrive in Israel on Wednesday to meet with officials, i24NEWS has learned IDF strikes multiple Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon Israeli Air Force fighter jets conducted airstrikes targeting Hezbollah military buildings and infrastructure in six areas of southern Lebanon overnight. Additionally, IDF forces removed a threat in other areas during the operation. Jordan's Foreign Minister held phone call with U.S. Secretary of State to discuss Israel's incursion into Rafah According to the Jordanian Foreign Ministry, Blinken condemned what was called a "violent attack" on aid trucks transiting from Jordan through Israel. U.S. paused bomb shipment to Israel to signal concerns over Rafah invasion According to a U.S. official quoted by the Associated Press, the shipment was supposed to consist of 1,800 two-thousand-pound bombs and 1,700 five-hundred-pound bombs, signaling the administration's concern over the Rafah operation. It follows a report on Tuesday that the administration was holding up 6,500 "smart kits" that turn bombs into precision weapons. CENTCOM says Houthi terrorists launched 3 uncrewed aerial systems and anti-ship ballistic missiles over the Gulf of Aden in the past day, no injuries or damage was caused This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking manage preferences. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-07

A Jewish businessman was murdered Tuesday in the Egyptian city of Alexandria by unknown assailants, according to Egyptian media reports. The incident is a suspected terrorist attack, Hebrew-language media reported. Details surrounding the incident remain unclear, including the identity of the victim and whether they are of Israeli nationality, as some Egyptian outlets have suggested. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has acknowledged the case and stated that it is actively engaged in the matter, working in collaboration with Israel's Embassy in Cairo to gather information and provide assistance as needed. This is a developing story ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-07

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly rejected for a deal — that delayed the return of the hostages and demanded an end to the war — even as he sent a team to Cairo to discuss it. “The Hamas proposal is very far from [meeting] Israel’s requirements,” he stated in he delivered on Tuesday night. “Israel cannot accept a proposal that endangers the security of our citizens and the future of our country,” Netanyahu stated. Israel’s negotiating team, he explained, was instructed “to stand firm” on principled points . The IDF has also begun its military campaign in Gaza to destroy four Hamas battalions there, seizing the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing at the Egyptian border, he said, referencing the War Cabinet’s decision on Monday night to embark on that operation. Benjamin Netanyahu speaks about hostage deal, May 7, 2024. (credit: PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE) “Within hours, our forces raised the Israeli flags at the Rafah crossing and took down the Hamas flags,” he said.  Seizure of the passageway into Egypt places all the crossings into Gaza back under Israeli control. It’s a step that both helps pressure Hamas to make a deal and advances Israel’s war aim of destroying the terror group, he stated. “We have already proven” that military pressure on Hamas is a necessary condition for the return of our hostages,” he said. Hamas’s decision to put a new proposal on the table Monday night was intended to halt the IDF’s entry into Rafah, Netanyahu said, adding that, this “did not happen.” Israel’s control of the Rafah crossing, he said, damages Hamas’s governmental capabilities and blocks their ability to travel.  Defense Minister Yoav Gallant entered the Rafah area, telling the soldiers there, “This operation will continue until we eliminate Hamas in the Rafah area and the entire Gaza strip, or until the first hostage returns." "We are willing to make compromises to bring back hostages, but if that option is removed, we will go on and ‘deepen’ the operation- this will happen all over the [Gaza] strip - in the south, in the center, and in the north.  “Hamas only responds to force, so we will intensify our actions, and the military pressure will result in us crushing the Hamas [terrorist] organization,” Gallant stated. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-07

Israeli forces have entered the city of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Monday.  The move comes as part of Israel's ongoing military operation aimed at both securing the release of abducted citizens and crippling Hamas, the terrorist group governing Gaza. Speaking from Jerusalem, Netanyahu stated, "Last night I ordered, with the approval of the War Cabinet, to operate in Rafah. Within hours our forces raised the Israeli flags at the and took down the Hamas flags." This development follows discussions held in Cairo regarding a potential ceasefire proposal. However, Netanyahu emphasized that Israel remains steadfast in its objectives. "The entry into Rafah serves two main war goals: the return of our abductees and the elimination of Hamas," he declared. Netanyahu also addressed the recent Hamas proposal, stating, "Hamas' proposal yesterday was intended to torpedo the entry of our forces into Rafah. It did not happen."  The Prime Minister acknowledged the sacrifices made by Israeli families and praised the courage of the nation's soldiers. "I would like to send my heartfelt condolences to the families who lost their loved ones in the last few days. I salute our heroic soldiers for the perfect execution of the mission, for the fighting spirit and heroism," he said. Meanwhile, Israeli forces are engaged in intense combat in Rafah, targeting Hamas terrorists and infrastructure.  Netanyahu emphasized the strategic importance of seizing control of the city, stating, "Seizing the passage in Rafah today is a very important step; an important step on the way to destroying the remaining military capabilities of Hamas." Netanyahu concluded his remarks with a message of unity and determination. "Together we will fight, and with God's help - together we will win," he declared. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-07

Israel's decision on Monday evening to send a negotiation team to Cairo was a 'mistake' and a 'fall into a manipulative trap' set by Hamas, Qatar, and Egypt, said in a written statement on Tuesday. Israel's war cabinet decided to send the team, which it defined as a "ranking delegation," after Hamas announced on Monday that it had proposed to it by Egypt. In parallel, the cabinet decided to continue Israel's military operation in Rafah. "This is the time to press harder and harder on [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar's and Hamas's throat until they are destroyed. To speak only with fire. We cannot surrender to international pressure, and cannot stop until victory and vanquishing the enemy," Smotrich wrote. "This is our and we must win," he added. "In order for this to happen and for us to disconnect Hamas's oxygen valves, we must act today according to three steps that will bring quiet back to residents of the South." The first was the "complete conquering of the Rafah city and region"; the second was "destroying all of the underground [tunnels] in Rafah and its surroundings"; and the third was "complete control" over the Rafah border crossing and the Gaza-Egypt border road, known as "Philadelphi." "Immediately afterwards, we can continue to Deir-al-Balah and Nuseirat in the [refugee] camps in the center [of the Gaza Strip], and complete the dismantling of the Hamas battalions that remain there," Smotrich concluded. The finance minister threatened in recent weeks that a decision to cancel an invasion of Rafah as part of a hostage deal would lead to him leaving the government along with his seven MKs. However, two opposition parties – Yesh Atid and Ra'am – said on Monday that they would provide necessary votes in order to push forwards with a deal. A minister from the Likud reasoned in a conversation with The Jerusalem Post on Monday that even if Smotrich decided to leave the government, the chances that he will also support a bill to disperse the Knesset and bring down the government were low, as Smotrich is polling below the electoral threshold and bringing down a right-wing government may make him even more unpopular. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-07

The United States government has expressed strong condemnation of Hamas' recent actions in ongoing negotiations for the release of hostages.  According to a report by The New York Times, Biden administration officials are deeply disappointed with Hamas' conduct and its reactions to the proposed ceasefire agreement put forth by Egypt. Sources reveal that last week, the U.S. conveyed a message through intermediaries, expressing strong dissatisfaction with Hamas' response to the Egyptian proposal aimed at securing the release of hostages in exchange for a ceasefire. The U.S. deemed Hamas' initial reactions as "unacceptable," prompting the terrorist group to reconsider its stance. In response to the U.S. message, Hamas declared its willingness to reevaluate and provide a different response. However, upon submitting their revised reply, U.S. officials were taken aback by Hamas' continued defiance.  Rather than fostering a new understanding, Hamas' second response further complicated the negotiations and posed additional challenges, particularly regarding terms that Israel had shown willingness to accommodate. The Biden administration now finds itself at a crossroads, closely monitoring the ongoing discussions between the Israeli delegation in Cairo and Hamas representatives. However, with Hamas' latest response undermining the prospects of a viable agreement for the release of the hostages, the chances of a successful resolution appear to be dwindling. The U.S. says they remains steadfast in its commitment to facilitating peaceful negotiations and achieving a resolution to the hostage talks.  However, Biden officials say Hamas' continued defiance and reluctance to have only served to exacerbate tensions and impede progress towards a resolution. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-07

There is a scene in the American classic The Godfather when the Corleone family’s Don Corleone reveals to his family and the audience that the man behind the war against his family is actually rival mafia family head Don Barzini. Barzini had previously been seen in the film as a mediator between several warring families. Corleone says, “I wasn't sure until this day…it was Barzini all along.” This scene might teach us something about the current war . On March 6, Hamas claimed to have agreed to a hostage and ceasefire deal with Israel. Hamas had been rejecting deals for months, so it came as a surprise. Israel had launched an operation in Rafah on May 6 after asking residents to evacuate eastern Rafah. Was it the pressure of the operation that led to Hamas accepting a deal? It turns out the “deal” was different than the one . Instead, according to a report at Axios, there was a kind of bait and switch where Hamas had held talks with the US, Qatar, and Egypt and agreed to a different deal that is much worse for Israel than the previous ones Israel had agreed to. Axios reported that Israeli officials felt they had been “played” by the US and the mediators in Doha and Cairo. This is the Don Barzini reveal, seven months into this war in Gaza. Hamas attacked Israel on and massacred 1,000 people and killed 250. However, Hamas did not do this in a vacuum. Hamas carried out its unprecedented attack, massacring more Jews than at any time since the Holocaust, because it believed it had cover to do this. Hamas is hosted by Qatar, a major non-NATO ally of the US. Hamas has been hosted in Qatar since 2012, and reports say that Washington asked Doha to host Hamas. On October 7, Hamas leaders who live in Qatar gathered for a photo-op celebrating the attack. They didn’t feel they need to run and hide. They knew that they were not just safe in Doha but that being hosted by a Western ally gave them protection and cover.Palestinian members of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement seen next to a memorial named “Shehab Field,” a drone made by al-Qassam, in Gaza City, September 21, 2022. (credit: ATTIA MUHAMMED/FLASH90) Hamas has been jetting around the region since October 7. Rather than being isolated due to this massive attack, it has gained influence. Turkey’s leader hosted Hamas leaders in April. Turkey is a NATO member. Hamas has also sent officials to Moscow. Hamas has received backing from many countries since the attack. This means that Israel has faced an uphill battle in Gaza. To return to the Godfather analogy. The problems for the Corleone family begin in the film when they are invited to meet with a narcotics dealer named Virgil Sollozo at a meeting hosted by the Tattaglia family. This leads to an assassination attempt on Don Corleone and sets the family on a collision course with a war with the other mafia families. What matters for our purposes is that Hamas in our story is more akin to Sollozo than it is to more powerful families. Hamas is backed by Iran. It is hosted and backed by Qatar and Turkey. Hamas has friends in high places. Israel’s challenge is not just to defeat Hamas. Seven months into the Gaza war, Israel continues to face challenges in its war on Hamas. This is because this is not a simple traditional war. Hamas is a terrorist group, but Hamas is also much more than that. Hamas has controlled Gaza since 2007, and before that, it operated both as a kind of mafia and a religious terrorist gang. Hamas's control of Gaza should be seen through the lens of a mafia controlling Gaza. The Hamas control of Gaza has many elements of a cartel, like how the Medellin cartel once wreaked havoc in Colombia. Once we understand the challenges faced in defeating Hamas, both in Gaza and due to its backers in the region and its powerful backers around the world, then we can begin to free ourselves from some of the simplistic thinking that has underpinned this war. Defeating Hamas is not just about defeating its military capabilities. Hamas has already returned to control most of Gaza. It has done this before after every round it fought. This is because it disperses its fighters, hides its weapons, and waits for the day after. It knows Israel will likely leave. Hamas will reconstitute itself quickly, as it has done in the past. Israeli assessments of the damage to Hamas after previous wars have always been an overestimate. Hamas always returns more powerful and faster than people think it will. This time, Hamas likely has larger goals that are being pushed by those behind Hamas. What this means is that Hamas leadership in Doha and Hamas backers in Ankara, Moscow, and Tehran have plans for Hamas. Here, again, it's worth going back to that scene in The Godfather when the heads of the mafia families meet, and Don Corleone finally realizes that it was “Barzini all along” that has been behind this war. The war that Hamas launched on October 7 was not just launched by Hamas in Gaza. This is obvious from the fact that the Hamas leadership in Doha was not surprised by the attack. They didn’t run and make frantic phone calls to their hosts saying “we didn’t do this, we had no idea.” Their hosts didn’t call their allies in the West and say, “Hamas has betrayed us, we hosted them, but they have carried out this terrible attack.” In fact, if you go back to October 7, there is no evidence that anyone linked to Hamas was surprised by this attack. Moscow didn’t make frantic calls. Tehran didn’t. Ankara didn’t. Back on October 6, Israel was being sold a story that portrayed Hamas as “deterred.” After October 7 we have been told that it is almost impossible to defeat Hamas because of how strong it is and we are told that defeating most of its 24 battalions is enough of a “win” in Gaza. The two narratives don’t make sense. If Hamas was deterred and not capable of doing much damage to Israel, then how is it also so powerful that it is almost impossible to defeat? And, if Hamas was actually known to be very powerful, with 24 battalions of fighters and 30,000 terrorists, then why was the border left almost undefended against a genocidal terrorist group? Clearly, the answer to that question is that Israel had trusted Hamas because Hamas was filtered through a kind of Don Barzini character. After Hamas had lied about being deterred and carried out a huge massacre, it continued to rely on its hosts and backers abroad during the war on Israel. For instance, Israel was told in December to transition to a lower-intensity war in Gaza. In February, Israel was told it should do a ceasefire for Ramadan. Then Israel was told to postpone a Rafah offensive. At each stage, Hamas got the breathing space it needed and was able to Shanghai the hostage talks. We now know Israel was likely being “played” the whole time with a kind of bait and switch. The macabre talks have been prolonged by Hamas, which continues to not turn over a list of living hostages. Hamas has said it wants to release one hostage for each day of a ceasefire so it can parade them to get applause in the region. Now, it wants up to a week of ceasefire for each hostage. Hamas’ goal and the goal of its backers is to use the hostage deal and an end to the war to takeover the West Bank, in the long run. It’s fair to say now that it was Barzini all along. Barzini is the powers that stand behind Hamas and is influencing this war from the start to keep Hamas in power in Gaza and bring it to power in the West Bank.  ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-07

Majed Al-Ansari, spokesman for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed that Hamas had forwarded its response to the proposal to mediators on Monday. Describing Hamas's answer as positive, Al-Ansari announced that a Qatari delegation would arrive in Cairo on Tuesday morning to resume indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The proposal reportedly does not mandate the release of only live abductees, as Israel demanded, but specifies that in the initial stage, 33 abductees will be released, whether "alive or bodies," meeting the criteria for humanitarian release. This detail marks a fundamental departure from Israel's previous demands and represents a key breakthrough in the negotiation process. Sources familiar with the talks revealed that over the past few days, mediators have diligently reworked the proposal to address Israel's concerns, facilitating Hamas's response on Monday. According to American media channel CNN, the head of the CIA Bill Burns played a pivotal role in refining the language of the proposal during his recent visits to Cairo and Doha, where he collaborated with Qatari officials to ensure that the framework could serve as a viable basis for discussions with Israel. According to sources, Hamas's response to the revised framework was positive, prompting Israel to dispatch a team of working-level experts to join further talks in Cairo on Tuesday. However, challenges remain, particularly regarding the demand for a permanent ceasefire, which is not addressed in the initial phase of the proposal. Despite Hamas's initial public statement indicating agreement to a ceasefire, US officials clarified that Hamas had actually presented a counterproposal with revisions, necessitating further negotiations.  The ceasefire proposal, with minor wording changes, has been crafted by Arab mediators in consultation with William Burns, retaining a key phrase, "sustainable calm," acceptable to all parties involved. Meanwhile, American officials speaking with The New York Times have expressed opposition to any action in Rafah to without a proper plan from Israel to mitigate harm to civilians and prevent a humanitarian crisis. They emphasized the need for caution, noting that recent attacks by the Israeli army in East Rafah may be part of a smaller operation rather than the onset of a wider attack. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-07

Day 214 of Israel at war: Security sources affiliated with the terrorist organization Hamas have reported to the al-Aqsa channel that Egypt has officially informed the Gaza crossing authority about Israel's decision not to operate in the Rafah crossing. However, reports indicate that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are actively targeting Palestinian resistance targets in the vicinity of the crossing. According to reports, three IDF tanks were positioned approximately 200 meters from the Rafah crossing and have been firing shells at the crossing structure overnight.  Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, informed the official Qatar News Agency that Hamas has responded to the pacification proposal presented to both Hamas and Israel. Al-Ansari emphasized that Hamas' response is considered positive. Additionally, he announced that a Qatari delegation is scheduled to arrive in Cairo on Tuesday morning to resume indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. To catch up on the full events from Monday Read more in-depth updates on the IDF confirms it has taken control of the Palestinian side of Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border Initial report: American aircraft carrier 'Eisenhower' has returned to the Red Sea Israeli activists block the humanitarian aid trucks from inside Israel going into Gaza  "We will continue to block the aid throughout the night. Aid is a gift that goes straight into the hands of the terrorist organization Hamas while our abductees suffer in captivity. No aid will pass until the last of the abductees returns." President Biden and King Abdullah II of Jordan convened at the White House to commemorate 75 years of bilateral partnership They discussed the latest Gaza developments, emphasizing the urgent need for a sustainable ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. Both leaders reiterated their commitment to achieving lasting peace, including a pathway to a Palestinian state with security for Israel. They also emphasized the importance of stability in the West Bank and pledged to work together to enhance regional integration This post can't be displayed because social networks cookies have been deactivated. You can activate them by clicking manage preferences. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-07

and Qatari officials are pressing , a US source told The Jerusalem Post on Monday, after the terror group accepted a ceasefire agreement just as it seemed that the talks had collapsed in Cairo. "Essentially, the talks fell through, they were on life support, which is what prompted [CIA Director] Bill Burns to get on a plane and go to Qatar,” the source said. "Both the Americans and the Qataris, in a display of shared responsibility, engaged in heavy pressure and diplomacy, striving to breathe life back into the framework of an agreement."  The American source further emphasized that the situation was at a very delicate and sensitive point in time, underscoring the mutual understanding of the situation.  "The Americans and the Qataris are keeping pressure on both sides to build the framework that has been agreed upon.” RAINDROPS FALL on a poster of hostage Liri Albag at a rally earlier this year in Yehud, near Tel Aviv. (credit: Jonathan Shaul/Flash90) At issue has been a three-phased agreement, mediated by Egypt and Qatar, by which Hamas would release the remaining 132 hostages, beginning with 33 of the captives over the first 42 days. That element of the deal has been consistent and accepted by both parties.  have been at odds over the terror groups' demands that the agreement include an end to the war rather than a pause in the hostilities, a stance which has impacted the second and third phases of the agreement. Hamas on Monday agreed to a new deal, which differed in some of its details from the one that Israel had approved in the past. Qatar Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mohammed Al-Ansari said that Hamas’s latest proposal which Hamas had approved was positive. A Qatari delegation is expected to head to Egypt on Tuesday to join the third-party negotiation. In a statement to the Qatar News Agency, Ansari said he hoped the talks would culminate in an immediate and permanent ceasefire, alongside the release of the hostages and an increase in humanitarian aid for Gaza. Israel has been skeptical of the proposal, which has elements it already believes it can not agree to, fearing that this is just a cynical exercise to create a narrative by which Jerusalem is to blame for the failure of the negotiations. It has also feared that Hamas is playing for time, in an attempt to halt its military operation in Rafah, which is now in its early stages. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-06

Dozens of Gazans are trying to cross the border to Egypt from Rafah, according to an Egyptian report on Monday. The report comes as an anticipated Rafah operation has seemingly moved forward. Israel has and of the over one million Palestinians sheltering in Rafah. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant clarified that the invasion was being rolled out incrementally and in multiple stages so that if Hamas at some point agreed to a reasonable hostage exchange deal that was accepted by Israel, it could be halted. Maariv later reported residents from Rafah tried crossing to Egyptian territory from the western side of the border between Rafah and the Sinai Peninsula. According to the report, Gazans attempting to cross the border were stopped by Egyptian military forces. announced it was seeking temporary residency permits for tens of thousands of Palestinians who fled from Gaza during the war between Israel and Hamas, which it says would ease conditions for them until the conflict is over.  Smoke rises after Israeli airstrikes in Khan Yunis as it seen from Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, May 6, 2024 (credit: ABED RAHIM KHATIB/FLASH90) Diab al-Louh, the Palestinian ambassador in Cairo, said as many as 100,000 Gazans had crossed into Egypt, where they lack the papers to enroll their children in schools, open businesses or bank accounts, travel, or access health insurance - though some have found ways to make a living. Many of the Palestinians who have fled to Egypt paid agencies between $6,000-$12,000 to secure their passage, Many Gaza Strip residents are turning to GoFundMe to raise the necessary funds to escape and ensure the safety of their families. Relatives abroad are also using GoFundMe to secure donations aiding their departure from Gaza to Europe or nearby Arab nations. TZVI JOFFRE, YONAH JEREMY BOB, GIORGIA VALENTE/THE MEDIA LINE and Reuters contributed to this report. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-06

"Hamas's last-minute ceasefire proposal is a trap," declared on social media platform X. The former , who later became an undercover agent for Israel's Shin Bet, advised that Israel should not accept the ceasefire unless it includes the unconditional release of all hostages and the resignation of Hamas from power. Hamas's last-minute ceasefire proposal is a trap Israel should not fall into Hamas's new trap unless the terror group commits to the release of ALL HOSTAGES and stepping down from power. This is a trick orchestrated by Hamas hosts, agents, and donors to prevent Israel from… Yousef described the ceasefire as a "trick orchestrated by Hamas hosts, agents, and donors to prevent Israel from finishing 36 years of human tragedy at the expense of children and their future." Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip call for their release outside the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, May 5, 2024 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) He urged Israel to outsmart Hamas by demanding the release of all hostages in exchange for the cessation of the Rafah operation. This warning comes against the backdrop of intense , where Egyptian and Qatari delegations are engaged despite Hamas' acceptance of a ceasefire deal. The Israeli government remains cautious, having sent a delegation to Cairo to explore all potential agreements thoroughly. In a conversation between President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, both leaders emphasized the urgency of resolving the situation to secure the release and safety of hostages.  Tovah Lazaroff contributed to this report. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-06

The IDF Spokesperson said on Monday night that the military conducted precise, targeted strikes against Hamas terror targets in Eastern Rafah.  The Prime Minister's Office said earlier on Monday night that the War Cabinet had agreed to continue with Israel's planned   "The War Cabinet unanimously decided that Israel continues the operation in Rafah to exert military pressure on Hamas in order to promote the release of our hostages and the other goals of the war," the statement read.  The PMO also noted that in parallel and despite the fact that the "proposal is far from Israel's necessary requirements, Israel will send a delegation of mediators to exhaust the possibility of reaching an agreement under conditions acceptable to Israel." This comes despite Hamas's earlier agreement with .  A former Senior Israeli security source told The Jerusalem Post on Monday that the proposed "deal" Hamas said they agreed upon doesn't actually exist. A ball of fire and smoke rises during an Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, on October 9, 2023. (credit: ATIA MOHAMMED/FLASH90) "This so-called 'deal' is proof that we've just started to apply pressure [] by promoting a ground entrance to Rafah, and we suddenly received a green light from Hamas for a prisoner exchange deal and a ceasefire." The source added that the reported ceasefire deal "is a proposal that no one in the Israeli administration recognizes. It's a proposal Hamas invented. They are playing with us. They are telling the world - 'we agreed to a ceasefire,' to try to prevent Israel from a ground incursion." Chairman of the National Unity Party Benny Gantz stated on Monday: "I want to address the citizens of Israel and especially the families of the hostages. We face a cruel enemy. We will never give up on the effort to bring our hostages home. We will continue to work for their return as a matter of duty. The negotiation team is working around the clock to examine the proposal presented by Hamas, which does not align with the dialogue held so far with the mediators and contains significant differences. Nevertheless, we continue to turn every stone and dispatch delegations to Cairo." "Every decision will be brought to the security cabinet - there will be no political considerations," he added. "Even the military operation in Rafah is an integral part of our ongoing efforts and commitment to bring back our abductees and change the security reality in the south. We will continue all efforts until we bring them home."  This is a developing story.  ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-06

More than 80 family members of hostages from 30 different families, including six former hostages, sent a letter to Ministers-without-portfolio and Gadi Eisenkot asking them to give the public answers regarding the negotiations for a hostage deal.  "We hostage family members watch in horror at what is happening. Netanyahu is deliberately scuttling the deal and abandoning the hostages to their deaths. now is a death sentence for the hostages. Netanyahu's announcement that he is not the one who is scuttling the deal is a misrepresentation and throwing dust in the eyes of the public - and you know it," they wrote.  "You have become extras in Netanyahu's show of accusations and the torpedoing, which has for meaning the abandonment of the hostages to their deaths," the letter further stated.  "You justify your stay in the government by returning the hostages. It is time for you to turn over every stone to return them. It is time for you to remove the obstacles that Netanyahu put in the deal," they concluded.  The signees of the letter said they penned it in response to a statement released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday in which he said Israel would enter Rafah at all costs. According to the signees, the comment came following previous Israeli media reports on Saturday, which suggested a deal would be concluded soon. The letter's authors also noted that the Prime Minister reportedly prevented the negotiation delegation from leaving for Cairo. According to them, this influenced Hamas's decisions.  On Saturday, it was Arab media reported that Hamas appeared to have eased its stance in the negotiations and would soon agree to .  On Monday, however, it was reported the terror group had announced to freeze the hostage deal negotiations in Cairo. Yuval Barnea, Sam Halpern, and Reuters contributed to this article.  ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-06

Hamas warned that the IDF’s evacuation of civilians from was a dangerous escalation that could scuttle the already strained hostage talks. "The US administration, alongside the occupation, bears responsibility for this terrorism," the official, Sami Abu Zuhri, told Reuters, referring to Israel's alliance with Washington. He warned that it was a "dangerous escalation that will have consequences.” Walla’s Barak Ravid posted on X that Hamas warned that could be suspended. Egypt, which alongside Qatar has mediated talks for the release of the remaining 132 hostages, worked to contain the damage to negotiations, which were also harmed by Hamas attack Sunday on the Kerem Shalom crossing that killed four soldiers. Protesters in Tel Aviv demanding a hostage deal, April 24, 2024 (credit: NEVET KAHANA) An Egyptian source told Al-Qahera News that it was the Kerem Shalom attack Sunday that caused the talks to falter.  The Hamas delegation returned to Doha from Cairo for consultations with its leadership which is based there. CIA Director William Burns left Cairo for Doha last night and is expected in Israel this week.  At issue had been Hama's insistence on a , with Israel standing firm that it could only accept a pause to the war because it was determined to conduct a military operation in Rafah to destroy the remaining Hamas battalions there. Belgian Vice Premier Petra De Sutter warned that a Rafah “invasion will lead to a massacre.” "Belgium is working on further sanctions against [Israel],” she wrote in a post on X. De Sutter has been a fierce and early critic of Israel’s war against Hamas in Gaza that began on October 7, calling already in November for sanctions against the Jewish state. The international community, including the United States, has also opposed a Rafah operation fearing it would lead to a humanitarian disaster for the over 1.3 million Palestinians located there, many of whom sought shelter there to escape Israeli bombardments in northern Gaza at the start of the war. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which is the main organization that services Palestinian refugees, wrote on X that “an Israeli offensive in #Rafah would mean more civilian suffering [and] deaths. The consequences would be devastating for 1.4 million people." UNRWA “is not evacuating” Palestinians from Rafah, it stressed, adding that “Agency will maintain a presence in Rafah as long as possible [and[ will continue providing lifesaving aid to people.” Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke overnight with US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, updating him on the Kerem Shalom attack and Israel’s pending Rafah operation. Gallant indicated that “at this stage, Hamas refuses the frameworks at hand" and “emphasized that military action is required, including in the area of Rafah, at the lack of an alternative,” according to the Defense Ministry “The State of Israel will not tolerate the ongoing presence of terrorist frameworks bordering its communities, and is committed to achieving the goals of the war - the destruction of Hamas as a military and governing authority, and the return of 132 hostages,” Gallant said.  ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-06

Prime Minister renewed statements about an invasion of Rafah pushed Hamas to harden its demands after the two sides got close to reaching a deal a few days ago, The New York Times reported on Monday, citing an unnamed Israeli official. According to the anonymous source, Hamas was now demanding additional guarantees that Israel would not resume fighting and launch an after any agreement. The cited official added that Hamas and Israel had shifted to playing a "blame game" and that the negotiations had stalled and were in "crisis." In contrast to the Israeli source, two unnamed US officials told the New York Times that the talks weren't actually at an impasse and that the two sides were still reviewing the details of the most recent proposals. The Israeli source added that Israel was waiting for a written response from Hamas before sending a delegation to Cairo, but had still not received such a response. Families of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip call for their release outside the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem, May 5, 2024 (credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90) Senior Hamas leader Mousa Abu Marzouk told the New York Times that Hamas had wanted Israel present at the talks and was still demanding that any ceasefire be "permanent and fixed." On Sunday, Hamas announced that its delegation to had completed discussions with mediators and was returning to Doha to consult with the movement's leadership. Media reports about the status of the talks have been conflicted, with some reports claiming the talks have collapsed and others saying there's been significant progress toward reaching a deal. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-05

CIA Director William Burns traveled to Doha Sunday night for an emergency meeting to salvage the hostage deal as the IDF prepared for a , and Hamas fired rockets at the , injuring ten people. Burns’ emergency meeting with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al-Thani in Doha is “aimed at exerting maximum pressure on Israel and Hamas to continue negotiating,” an official briefed on the talks said. Prospects for a as Hamas reiterated its demand for an end to the war in exchange for the freeing of hostages, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu flatly ruled that out, insisting that the IDF must be free to destroy the terrorist group, including in Rafah. One official briefed on the talks told Reuters: “The latest round of mediation in Cairo is near to collapse.” A Hamas delegation also left Cairo after a day of talks with Burns as well as with Egyptian and Qatari officials who were there but were expected to return on Tuesday. Palestinian group Hamas' top leader, Ismail Haniyeh speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, March 26, 2024. (credit: MAJID ASGARIPOUR/WANA) Israel had refused to send a delegation until such time as Hamas officially responded to a complex three-phased proposal that would, in its first leg, see the release of 33 out of 132 remaining hostages in exchange for a 40-day pause to the war. The US had hoped to begin with phase one without dealing with the issue of a permanent ceasefire, but Netanyahu’s repeated statements rejecting a permanent ceasefire without entering Rafah made such a move difficult. Egyptian sources told the London-based Al Araby Al Jadeed (The New Arab) news outlet that a Hamas response had been given to Israel, explaining that several alternatives had been presented in Cairo relating to the issue of a permanent ceasefire. They added that the mediators were struggling to reach an agreement but that talks were ongoing. Activists and some relatives of hostages called on the government to make a deal now, as its ministers held their weekly meeting on Sunday, and the war cabinet met later in the afternoon. Albert Ariev, whose daughter Karine is being held hostage in Gaza, urged them not to “give up on the deal,” stating that “there are 132 people who depend on you, 132 families waiting to hear from you, and there are millions of citizens waiting for hope.” Far-right members of the government, in contrast, warned Netanyahu they would quit the coalition unless he entered Rafah. KAN reported that two weeks ago, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had already urged Netanyahu to close the deal, explaining that they both had a responsibility to bring everyone home. On Sunday, as hope appeared dim for a deal, he told soldiers in central Gaza that there were “alarming signs that Hamas does not intend to [agree] to any outline agreement with us. The meaning of this: Action in Rafah and the entire Gaza Strip in the near future” will be taken. During the weekly government meeting, Netanyahu stressed that “We are working in every possible way to free the hostages; this is our top priority.” He added that “Israel has been, and still is, ready for a pause in the fighting to free our hostages,” as he explained that the IDF had already allowed for a week-long lull in the fighting in November to facilitate a hostage deal in which 105 captives were freed. “This is what we are ready to do today,” he stated. Hamas had reportedly agreed to the first phase of the deal without an agreement to end the war, with the understanding that such a step would happen later in the process. Netanyahu has clarified, however, including on Sunday, that he has no intention of relenting on the issue of a permanent ceasefire until Hamas has been destroyed – which cannot happen until the IDF executes a military operation in Rafah. “Israel will not agree to Hamas’s demands, which would mean surrender; [Israel] will continue fighting until all of its objectives are achieved,” he stated. “In recent weeks, we have been working around the clock to formulate an agreement that would return our hostages,” Netanyahu explained. The negotiating team was given a “very broad mandate to move forward on the release. We did so out of a deep commitment to the hostages, and to end the terrible suffering of the families,” he stressed. “Throughout the negotiations, Israel has shown a willingness for significant movement, which has been described by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and others as ‘very generous,’ he said. “But while Israel has shown this willingness, Hamas has still held to its extreme positions, first and foremost the withdrawal of our forces from the Strip, the conclusion of the war and leaving Hamas intact,” Netanyahu said. Israel cannot accept a situation “in which Hamas’s battalions leave their tunnels, reestablish control over the Strip, rebuild their military industries and go back to threatening the citizens of Israel in the communities of the Western Negev, the cities of the South and throughout the country,” he said. In a statement released shortly after Netanyahu’s, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said the group was still keen on reaching a comprehensive ceasefire that ends the Israeli “aggression,” guarantees Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, and achieves “a serious” deal to free Israelis being held hostage in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. Haniyeh blamed the prime minister for “the continuation of the aggression and the expansion of the circle of conflict, and sabotaging the efforts made through the mediators and various parties.” In Jerusalem, Netanyahu stressed that surrendering to Hamas’s demands to end the war would only ensure that the terror group would carry out another October 7-style attack in the future. Such a surrender would be a “great victory for Hamas, Iran, and the entire axis of evil,” he said, adding that it would “exhibit terrible weakness to our friends – and our enemies.” Reuters contributed to this report. ...قراءة المزيد

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2024-05-05

Israel is prepared to pause the Gaza war in exchange for a deal to release the hostages but is not willing to end it, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during the weekly government meeting on Sunday. “We are working in every possible way to free the hostages; this is our top priority.,” he said. Netanyahu spoke as a Hamas delegation was in Cairo for hostage talks with CIA Director William Burns and officials from the mediating countries Egypt and Qatar.  Simultaneously, Hamas in Gaza fired rockets at the area of the Kerem Shalom crossing for goods into the enclave, injuring seven. Kfar Aza residents and People call on the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, outside the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv. October 26, 2023. (credit: Jonathan Shaul/Flash90) Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told soldiers in the south that there were “troubling signs that Hamas does not mean to agree to any deal.” At the government meeting, Netanyahu said that “Israel has been, and still is, ready for a pause in the fighting in order to free our hostages,” Netanyahu stressed as he explained that the IDF had already allowed for a week-long lull in the fighting in November to facilitate at hostage deal in which 105 captives were freed. “This is what we are ready to do today,” he stated. A deal is on the table, in which some 33 of the remaining would be freed over 40 days, in what would be the first phase of a three-part deal. Hamas had reportedly agreed to the first phase, which would include a pause to the war, without an agreement to end the war, with the understanding that such a step would happen later in the process. Netanyahu, however, has clarified, including on Sunday, that he has no intention of relenting on the issue of a permanent ceasefire until Hamas has been destroyed. That can not happen until the IDF executes a military operation in Rafah. “Israel will not agree to Hamas's demands, which would mean surrender; it will continue fighting until all of its objectives are achieved,” he stated. “In the last few weeks we have been working around the clock to forge an agreement for the return of the hostages,” Netanyahu said, adding that the negotiating team was given a very broad mandate about terms they could agree to. “In recent weeks, we have been working around the clock to formulate an agreement that would return our hostages,” Netanyahu explained. The negotiating team was given a "very broad mandate to move forward on the release. We did so out of a deep commitment to the hostages, and to end the terrible suffering of the families,” he stressed. “Throughout the negotiations, Israel has shown a willingness for significant movement, which has been described by US Secretary of State Blinken and others as 'very generous.’ “But while Israel has shown this willingness, Hamas has still held to its extreme positions, first and foremost the withdrawal of our forces from the Strip, the conclusion of the war and leaving Hamas intact,” Netanyahu said. Israel can not accept a situation “in which Hamas's battalions leave their tunnels, reestablish control over the Strip, rebuild their military industries and go back to threatening the citizens of Israel in the communities of the Western Negev, the cities of the south and throughout the country,” Netanyahu said. In Cairo, Hamas leaders held a second day of truce talks with Egyptian and Qatari mediators, with no apparent progress reported as the group maintained its demand that any agreement must end the war in Gaza, Palestinian officials said. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Sunday that the Palestinian militant group was keen on reaching a comprehensive ceasefire that will end Israeli "aggression," guarantee Israel's withdrawal from Gaza, and achieve a serious hostage-swap deal. Haniyeh, in his statement, also blamed Israeli for "the continuation of the aggression and the expansion of the circle of conflict, and sabotaging the efforts made through the mediators and various parties.” In Jerusalem, Netanyahu stressed that surrounding Hamas’s demands to end the war would only ensure that the terror group would, in the future, carry out another -style attack.  Such a surrender would be a “great victory for Hamas, Iran, and the entire axis of evil” and would “exhibit terrible weakness to our friends and our enemies.” ...قراءة المزيد

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