Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
Israel claims it’s promoting Palestinian emigration from Gaza. So why are so few leaving? |
2025-05-11 |
[IsraelTimes] Despite saying it would act on Trump’s plan to depopulate the Strip, Israel has allowed just 550 people out since March, after months-long efforts by humanitarian groups and foreign governments At a February presser alongside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Donald Trump ...The cad! Twice caught beating wimmin!... outlined a proposal to relocate Gazoo ...Hellhole adjunct to Israel and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, inhabited by Gazooks. The place was acquired in the wake of the 1967 War and then presented to Paleostinian control in 2006 by Ariel Sharon, who had entered his dotage. It is currently ruled with a rusty iron fist by Hamas with about the living conditions you'd expect. It periodically attacks the Hated Zionist Entity whenever Iran needs a ruckus created or the hard boyz get bored, getting thumped by the IDF in return. The ruling turbans then wave the bloody shirt and holler loudly about oppressionand disproportionate response... ’s roughly 2 million residents to third-party countries. In response, Israel’s Defense Ministry announced the creation of a new governmental body — a "Voluntary Emigration Directorate" — tasked with facilitating the exit of hundreds of thousands of Gazooks. A retired IDF colonel, Yaakov Blitshtein, was appointed to head the directorate in late March. "Emigration from Gaza will begin within weeks," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said in a February 15 interview with Channel 12. Interior Minister Moshe Arbel stated on April 7 at a conference organized by Yedioth Ahronoth: "More than 16 flights have departed from Ramon Airport carrying Gazooks who requested to leave the Strip — and this is only going to increase." In recent months, Israeli media have widely reported on flights evacuating Gazooks from the Strip, presenting this as part of Trump’s plan. However, death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the estate... Israel has not officially disclosed how many Gazooks have left at any time during the war. When The Times of Israel contacted the Population and Immigration Authority — a body facilitating Gazook departures — officials referred the inquiry to the Defense Ministry, which declined to respond. The Times of Israel likewise found no meaningful change in Israel’s exit policy for Gaza residents in recent months. Despite reports of increased movement through the Kerem Shalom crossing, according to a source familiar with the issue who talked to The Times of Israel, and public announcements by foreign countries and humanitarian organizations, only about 600 people have left the Gaza Strip in the past two months, since the collapse of the most recent ceasefire. This is a relatively small number compared to the exodus earlier in the conflict. For comparison, according to Egyptian media reports, around 103,000 people exited Gaza through the Rafah crossing between November 2023 and May 2024. Additionally, during the second ceasefire between February 1 and March 17 of this year, 4,259 Gazooks — including patients, maimed individuals, and their family members — were evacuated from the Strip for medical treatment abroad. LEAVING GAZA REQUIRES INTERNATIONAL INTERVENTION Israel’s Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT), the body under the Defense Ministry responsible for coordinating the movement of Gaza residents, has maintained that the only criteria for exiting Gaza — both before and throughout the war — are severe illness or injury, or foreign citizenship. In all cases, residents cannot apply directly to COGAT; an international organization must submit the request on their behalf. It is notable that many countries accepting patients from Gaza during the war, including the UAE and various European states, have clarified that these are temporary stays for medical treatment and that the individuals are expected to return afterward. Since the war began, the World Health Organization has been responsible for coordinating the evacuation of patients and their companions from the Gaza Strip. From November 2023 to May 2024, evacuations occurred via the Rafah crossing into Egypt. Following the Israeli ground operation in Rafah on May 6, 2024, the crossing was closed. In June 2024, Israel began allowing patients to exit Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing into Israel and then into Jordan by vehicle via the Allenby Bridge. From Jordan, they were flown abroad. Israel does not allow Paleostinians to fly through Ben-Gurion Airport, the country’s central international hub, except in rare cases such as high-ranking Paleostinian Authority officials who receive special permission. Since last February, some Gazook patients have been allowed to fly directly from Israel via Ramon Airport in the Negev in the south of Israel. (Until then, Ramon Airport in southern Israel was not used for international flights.) The WHO publishes an online chart that is updated every few weeks to show the number of individuals evacuated from Gaza. According to the data, from the collapse of the ceasefire on March 18 until May 6, a total of 310 people — patients and companions — were evacuated. FOREIGN NATIONALS STILL WAITING TO EXIT To exit Gaza as a foreign citizen — including dual citizens — during the war, the individual’s country must submit a formal request to COGAT and provide proof of citizenship and presence in Gaza. Gazook residents cannot request exit permits from Israel directly. When the Rafah crossing was open from November 2023 to May 2024, foreign nationals used it to reach Egypt. Most were asked to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 per person to Egyptian companies managing the crossing. Notably, even Gazooks without foreign citizenship were able to leave by paying the same amount, including senior Hamas ![]() figures such as the Hamas-run health ministry spokesperson, Ashraf al-Qudra, who reportedly exited the Strip this way during the war. Following Israel’s operation in Rafah and the subsequent closure of the crossing in May 2024, foreign nationals could no longer leave Gaza through that route. In August, COGAT responsed to a query from Gisha, an Israeli organization that helps protect the freedom of movement of Paleostinians — especially Gaza residents — by stating that Israel would be willing to allow the departure of Gazooks with foreign citizenship through Israeli territory, provided that their countries submitted an official request and furnished documentation confirming their planned travel via Egypt or Jordan, including letters of non-objection from those countries. According to a source familiar with the issue who spoke with The Times of Israel, 10 Gazooks with foreign citizenship left the strip between August 2024 and February 2025 by crossing through Israel into Jordan. During the most recent ceasefire, Israel did not permit foreign nationals to exit through the Rafah crossing, allowing only maimed and sick individuals to leave. According to Gisha, representatives of foreign governments were informed that only Gazooks physically present in the Strip with foreign citizenship would be eligible for exit, not those with relatives abroad holding foreign passports. COGAT confirmed to The Times of Israel that eligibility was strictly limited to holders of foreign citizenship, not those with visas or other legal residency forms. FOREIGN CITIZEN TRAPPED IN GAZA FOR 15 MONTHS One of the individuals who managed to leave Gaza in February is Ahmad (a pseudonym), a 33-year-old Gaza resident and European citizen. His wife and two daughters live in Europe, where he has resided for the past decade. He requested that his full name and identifying details not be published. In September 2023, Ahmad traveled to Gaza for a family visit. Once the war broke out, he attempted to leave and return home. His first attempt via Rafah was denied by Israel on the grounds of "security concerns." Later, with legal assistance from Gisha, he petitioned Israel’s High Court of Justice to leave. Israel responded after long months that it had no objection to his departure, and a week after the petition was withdrawn, his exit via Kerem Shalom crossing was coordinated. Ahmad left Gaza after 15 months of trying, despite holding foreign citizenship and having immediate family abroad. In a WhatsApp conversation with The Times of Israel, Ahmad described the experience as deeply frustrating: "Throughout the process, the official bodies responsible for handling this had failed. The citizen is the last priority." GAZANS LEAVE FOLLOWING REQUESTS BY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS Despite official Israeli statements asserting that only foreign nationals or individuals in need of urgent medical care are allowed to exit Gaza, approximately 290 Gaza residents have left the Strip since the March collapse of the ceasefire. According to foreign media reports, official statements, and a source familiar with the issue who spoke with The Times of Israel, they left through foreign government intervention and not for medical reasons, and some of them did not have foreign citizenship. Although COGAT told The Times of Israel that the only valid exit criteria are illness, injury, or foreign citizenship, several Gazooks have traveled to Europa ...the land mass occupying the space between the English Channel and the Urals, also known as Moslem Lebensraum... over the past two months without meeting these conditions. For example, 13 students left for Ireland on student visas, and several individuals traveled to La Belle France, including Gazooks who had worked for French institutions in Gaza, their relatives, academics granted scholarships, and students with study visas. When The Times of Israel asked which documents were required for these exits to be approved, the embassies of Ireland and La Belle France in Israel declined to respond. However, death is not the end. There remains the litigation over the estate... the French embassy confirmed that it had worked for several months to secure the departure of those Gaza residents. Among them were the 13 students accepted to academic institutions in Ireland, along with family members of Irish citizens. The Irish embassy in Israel declined to specify the total number of evacuees. One Irish newspaper reported that among them was a 74-year-old woman, the mother of an Irish citizen, who had waited 18 months to leave Gaza. In addition, 21 people were flown to Sweden, 175 to La Belle France, 24 Belgian citizens and their relatives to Belgium, and 50 German nationals and their families to Germany. A source familiar with the matter, who spoke to The Times of Israel on condition of anonymity, said that additional Gazooks had left for Canada — likely relatives of Canadian citizens — as well as for the UK. The Canadian and British embassies in Israel did not respond to inquiries regarding the exact number of people evacuated. Except for one instance — a March 31 flight that took 33 German nationals and their relatives directly to Germany — all others were transferred from the Kerem Shalom crossing through Israel to Jordan by vehicle and then flown onward to Europe. Many of these individuals had reportedly been trying to leave Gaza for months, some since the start of the war. Following the March 31 evacuation to Germany, German officials acknowledged: "We would have preferred to do this sooner — it took us time." In total, at least 284 people are confirmed to have left Gaza for foreign destinations. The exact number is unknown, but given the significant restrictions imposed by foreign governments and Israel, it is unlikely to be much higher. The International Committee of the Red Thingy helped coordinate the exit of these residents and foreign nationals through the Kerem Shalom crossing. It declined to tell The Times of Israel how many people it assisted over the past two months. ISRAELI STATEMENTS CONTRADICT REALITY The Israeli organization Gisha reported that it had recently received inquiries from 150 Gaza residents who had been accepted to study abroad but were still unable to leave the Strip. COGAT has stated that acceptance to academic programs overseas does not meet the criteria for exit. Shai Greenberg, spokesperson for Gisha, told The Times of Israel: "Since the beginning of the war, thousands of people have been trapped in the Gaza Strip — including foreign nationals, patients in need of life-saving medical treatment unavailable in Gaza, students accepted into graduate programs abroad, and individuals eligible for family reunification in various countries. "This is part of a systematic violation of fundamental rights — including freedom of movement and the right to family life for both those trapped and their relatives in Gaza and abroad — as well as the rights to health, bodily integrity, education, and livelihood," Greenberg stated. Ahmad, who left Gaza in February after 15 months of effort, told The Times of Israel he knows many foreign nationals who remain stuck in the Strip. "I know a lot of people with foreign citizenship or permanent residency abroad who are still trapped in Gaza — some of them are close friends. Only one of them managed to leave, about 20 days ago," he said. In early April, several dozen Gazooks with Egyptian citizenship held a protest inside Gaza, demanding that the Rafah crossing be reopened so they could travel to Egypt. The World Health Organization estimated in early March that between 11,000 and 13,000 people in Gaza still required urgent evacuation for medical treatment — a figure released before the current round of hostilities resumed nearly two months ago. On March 3, during a Knesset session, Smotrich, who also holds a ministerial role in the Defense Ministry, announced the establishment of an Emigration Directorate. "This initiative is being prepared under the leadership of the prime minister and the defense minister. The budget will not be an obstacle — if we remove 5,000 people a day, it will take a year," he said. The data, however, appears to be in stark contrast to official Israeli rhetoric promising and encouraging the emigration of Gaza residents. Even under Israel’s strict criteria — limited to foreign nationals and those requiring urgent care — only a small number of Gazooks have successfully exited the Strip. |
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Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
More than 3,500 people have left Gaza via Rafah, says EU |
2025-03-12 |
[GEO.TV] Some 3,500 people have so far crossed into Egypt from the Gaza Strip via the Rafah crossing, including more than 2,000 people needing medical treatment, the European Union's foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told the UN Security Council on Tuesday. The European Union restarted its civilian mission on Jan 31 to monitor the border crossing, a key entry and exit point for the Palestinian territory. It had been shut to human traffic since May. |
Link |
International-UN-NGOs |
WHO says Trump aid suspension freezes $46 million for Gaza operations |
2025-02-26 |
[IsraelTimes] A Trump administration move to suspend funding to the World Health Organization has frozen $46 million for its operations in Gaza, a top WHO official in the region says. Dr. Rik Peeperkorn, the WHO representative for the Palestinian territories, says the “freezing” will leave six areas underfunded, including EMT operations, rehabilitation of health facilities, coordination with partner organizations and medical evacuation operations. Speaking from Gaza to reporters at a UN briefing in Geneva, Peeperkorn says money for such operations remains in WHO’s funding pipeline and “we’re still going full steam ahead” with activities. Tarik Jasarevic, a WHO spokesman, says he does not have figures about how the US funding cuts affect the entirety of its operations worldwide. Related: World Health Organization: 2025-02-11 UN suspends aid operations in Houthi stronghold after 8 staffers detained World Health Organization: 2025-02-02 WHO chief says 34 children, 3 adults taken from Gaza to Egypt Saturday for medical treatment World Health Organization: 2025-02-01 Gaza’s Rafah crossing set to reopen Saturday, to be run by PA with EU monitors |
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Europe |
Kaja Kallas – A Neocon to Watch |
2025-02-25 |
![]() Slim Kallas, Kaja’s father, was a member of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1973-1990. He was appointed as the President of the Bank of Estonia in 1991, after Estonia restored its independence. Later becoming a liberal founder of the Estonian Reform Party, Kallas served in various governmental positions always with a keen focus on distancing Estonia from all Russian influence. Kaja Kallas has been openly anti-Russia since she entered politics. As prime minister, she demanded that all Russian and Soviet-era monuments be removed, landing her on the Russian Federation’s wanted list. The EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy applauded her notoriety and open hatred of Russia. "Moscow has put a prize on her head. Kaja Kallas is now wanted in Brussels," EuroNews accurately published. Now, Estonians disliked Kallas whose policies aided in plunging their economy. "Gas might be expensive, but freedom is priceless," she callously told the people. She consistently pushed for Estonia to provide more defense funding to Ukraine and NATO and stated that Russians were no longer welcome to visit Estonia. Kallas cannot separate Russian politicians from the Russian people. "They [Russians] define themselves in the categories of empire, imperial thinking, they like dictators," the fiery Estonian broadcast. — Our history textbooks were rewritten after independence, but in Russia this did not happen, they still learn from Soviet textbooks. Russia’s imperial ambitions — I’m not just talking about Putin. I’m talking about the country as a whole, what they are celebrating. We have to put an end to this vicious cycle," she stated. Alex Soros, son of geopolitical meddler globalist George Soros, called her "one of Europe’s real heroes" in a social media post. "Inspiring meeting with Estonian Prime Minister, @kajakallas, one of Europe’s real hero’s! Prime Minister Kallas has been doing so much for European and transatlantic unity as well as coordination as we face the ongoing crisis with Russia," the younger Soros posted back in February 2022. Kaja Kallas is a neocon to watch as she aims to advance in the ranks at NATO with the full backing of the establishment. "The strongest security guarantee — and, actually, also the cheapest one — is NATO membership... We have agreed that Ukraine’s path to NATO is... irreversible. We agreed on this. So, in the end, Ukraine must also be part of NATO," she recently stated. Apparently World War III is a cheaper option than peace. These are the people behind the scenes controlling the world. Although she has somewhat limited abilities in her current role, Kallas is yet another anti-Russian neocon who cannot sleep as long as the world knows peace. Related: Kaja Kallas 02/17/2025 US-Russia talks on Ukraine to be held in Riyadh on February 18 Kaja Kallas 02/01/2025 Gaza’s Rafah crossing set to reopen Saturday, to be run by PA with EU monitors Kaja Kallas 01/28/2025 EU to redeploy monitors at Rafah Border Crossing in bid to bolster Gaza ceasefire |
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Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
Heavy construction equipment said to begin rolling into Gaza |
2025-02-19 |
[IsraelTimes] Mobile homes also expected to be delivered to enclave as demanded by Hamas; FM Sa’ar says talks for second stage of ceasefire to start this week Heavy construction equipment was said to begin entering the Gazoo ...Hellhole adjunct to Israel and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, inhabited by Gazooks. The place was acquired in the wake of the 1967 War and then presented to Paleostinian control in 2006 by Ariel Sharon, who had entered his dotage. It is currently ruled with a rusty iron fist by Hamas with about the living conditions you'd expect. It periodically attacks the Hated Zionist Entity whenever Iran needs a ruckus created or the hard boyz get bored, getting thumped by the IDF in return. The ruling turbans then wave the bloody shirt and holler loudly about oppressionand disproportionate response... Strip on Tuesday, in a step toward bolstering the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ![]() Egypt’s al-Ghad TV reported that the equipment crossed from Egypt into Gaza through the Rafah crossing. The entry of mobile homes and construction equipment into Gaza has been a sticking point, with the terror group last week threatening to halt the release of hostages under the ceasefire deal unless the items were allowed in. The report came as Tuesday statements from Israeli and Hamas officials said six living Israeli hostages will be released on Saturday from Hamas captivity in Gaza. The six are all the remaining living captives set to go free in the ongoing first phase of the deal with the terror group. Israel will allow mobile homes and heavy construction equipment into Gaza in a controlled manner as it seeks to expedite the release of the six living hostages, a senior Israeli official said earlier. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is making immense efforts to secure the release of the six living hostages that remain as part of phase one [of the hostage-ceasefire deal], and also four hostages who are not alive," the official said. "Under the agreement, Israel agreed to allow mobile homes and construction equipment into Gaza after stringent inspections. In accordance with the negotiations and on condition Hamas upholds the agreement, Israel will begin allowing this in a controlled and phased way." Hamas is set to release four bodies on Thursday. According to reports, the ceasefire and hostage release agreement explicitly states that supplies and equipment can be brought into Gaza to establish at least 60,000 temporary living facilities. The details of the deal have not been published in full. Hamas has also said it wants hundreds of heavy construction machines while alleging that only a handful have arrived so far. Earlier this week Netanyahu reportedly refused to approve the entry of mobile homes and heavy equipment into the Gaza Strip. A political official told the Kan public broadcaster that during a security consultation chaired by the prime minister "it was decided that the issue of caravans will be discussed in the coming days. Israel is fully coordinating with the United States." |
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Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
Israel said readying for three hostages to be freed Saturday, still pushing for more |
2025-02-14 |
[IsraelTimes] Netanyahu meets defense brass as report indicates bid to pressure Hamas into expediting releases of six others in first stage; don’t get your hopes up, Arab diplomat cautions Hamas ![]() said Thursday it would release three Israeli hostages as planned Saturday, backing off a threat to delay the next release of captives after accusing Israel of failing to meet its obligations to allow tents and shelters, among other alleged violations of the truce. Israel was reported to be pushing for further live hostages to be released in the upcoming days, but a senior Arab official told The Times of Israel that it was unlikely that Hamas would deviate from the original timeframe of the agreement. Underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire and hostage release arrangement, a rocket was fired from Gazoo ...Hellhole adjunct to Israel and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, inhabited by Gazooks. The place was acquired in the wake of the 1967 War and then presented to Paleostinian control in 2006 by Ariel Sharon, who had entered his dotage. It is currently ruled with a rusty iron fist by Hamas with about the living conditions you'd expect. It periodically attacks the Hated Zionist Entity whenever Iran needs a ruckus created or the hard boyz get bored, getting thumped by the IDF in return. The ruling turbans then wave the bloody shirt and holler loudly about oppressionand disproportionate response... for the first time since fighting halted last month, reportedly killing a Paleostinian teen inside the Strip and drawing the second Israeli military strike in as many days. In southern Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz spent several hours huddling with top military commanders and security officials Thursday evening, as Jerusalem reportedly sought to pile more pressure on the Hamas terror group to begin releasing hostages sooner than previously agreed. Israel has said it will resume fighting if the hostages are not freed, and appeared to endorse US President Donald Trump ...They hit him with slander, they impeached him twice. Nancy Pelosi tore up his State of the Union address on national TV. They stole an election and put his adherents in jail. They vilified him. They couldn't crucify him, so they shot him. Still, they can't keep him down... ’s demand that all hostages be freed, not only the three scheduled for release Saturday, reflecting growing concerns over the condition of captives held in Gaza for nearly 500 days. Hamas said it held talks in Cairo with Egyptian officials and was in contact with Qatar ...an emirate on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits on some really productive gas and oil deposits, which produces the highest per capita income in the world. They piss it all away on religion, financing the Moslem Brotherhood and several al-Qaeda affiliates. Home of nutbag holy manYusuf al-Qaradawi... ’s prime minister about bringing into Gaza more shelters, medical supplies, fuel and heavy equipment for clearing rubble — its key demand in recent days. It said in a statement that the mediators had pledged to "remove all hurdles." Netanyahu’s office earlier denied a report No, no! Certainly not! that it would let mobile homes and earth-moving equipment into the Strip, calling it "fake news." "There is no entry of mobile homes or heavy equipment into Gaza, and there is no coordination for it," Netanyahu front man Omer Dostri said. Nonetheless, Egyptian media aired footage showing trucks carrying temporary housing and bulldozers on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing with Gaza. They reported that the trucks were heading to an Israeli inspection area before crossing into Gaza. Hamas front man Abdul Latif al-Qanou later confirmed to The News Agency that Dare Not be Named by phone that three hostages would be released on Saturday. Under the terms of the ceasefire that went into effect last month, 17 hostages are still slated to be released under the deal’s first stage, nine of whom are believed to still be alive. Recent weeks have seen the group release 16 Israelis and five Thai hostages under the arrangement, which also requires Israel to free some 2,000 Paleostinian security prisoners, including hundreds of snuffies serving life and long terms. Even as the hostage releases appeared to get back on track, a rare rocket launch Thursday afternoon briefly raised concerns that the sides could decide to resume fighting. Footage showed the rocket appear to strike inside Gaza. According to Paleostinian media reports, the projectile landed in the Nuseirat area in the Strip’s center, killing a 14-year-old boy. A source in the Hamas-run police claimed the rocket was an unwent kaboom!Israeli ordinance that had ignited and had gun sex while it was being moved away from a residential area. The Israel Defense Forces said it struck the source of the launch in the Bureij camp in central Gaza. On Wednesday, the IDF said it carried out a dronezap against Gazooks attempting to collect a smuggled UAV in Rafah, killing one. At the IDF’s Southern Command headquarters in Beersheba, Netanyahu met with defense brass for over 4 hours to examine the IDF’s operational plans "for various scenarios," an Israeli official said. Attending the meeting were Katz, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, and incoming chief of staff Maj. Gen. (res.) Eyal Zamir, Shin Bet director Ronen Bar, and head of the IDF Southern Command Maj. Gen. Yaron Finkelman. Israeli officials were expecting Hamas on Friday to name the three it intends to release over the weekend, Channel 12 news reported. According to the station, which did not cite a source for the information, Jerusalem was also pushing mediators, Qatar, Egypt and the US, to pressure Hamas to expedite the release of the other six living hostages ahead of their scheduled release dates on February 22 and March 1. Israel has been pushing to speed up the releases since Saturday, when hostages Eli Sharabi, Or Levy and Ohad Ben Ami were released looking emaciated. Freed hostages have recounted being subjected to torture, starvation, and inhumane living conditions by their captors. A senior Arab diplomat told The Times of Israel that Hamas was not expected to release additional hostages either on Saturday or in the immediate days that followed, as this is not what was stipulated in the agreement. "We got Hamas to agree to release the hostages on Saturday, after it was threatening not to release any of them. To assume that they will go beyond that would be a stretch," the diplomat says. The fragile ceasefire was thrown into doubt on Monday when Hamas announced that it wouldn’t release any hostages on Saturday as planned, accusing Israel of preventing aid from reaching the Strip, which Israel denied. Trump then warned that "hell" would break loose if Hamas failed to release all the hostages being held in Gaza by Saturday. The terror group is holding 73 people kidnapped from Israel on October 7, 2023, including at least 35 bodies. It is also holding two civilians who entered the enclave around a decade ago, and the remains of a soldier killed fighting there in 2014. Following Trump’s remarks, Netanyahu said Israel would resume "intense fighting" in Gaza if Hamas did not return the hostages by Saturday noon. Israel then put out a series of conflicting statements saying Hamas must release "our hostages," "nine hostages," and "all of them" for the ceasefire to continue. Despite the tough talk, Israel had reportedly sent a message to Hamas through Egypt and Qatar that the deal would continue if the terror group released three hostages as scheduled on Saturday. Appearing to confirm the climb-down, government front man David Mencer told news hounds Thursday that Hamas must release three live hostages Saturday. "If those three are not released, if Hamas does not return our hostages, by Saturday noon, the ceasefire will end," he said. US hostage envoy Adam Boehler argued Thursday night that Hamas only agreed to walk back from its threat not to release three hostages this weekend because of Trump’s threat. "At the end of the day, the president has seen movement, and who knows what would happen if he wasn’t there," Boehler told Fox News. "But it’s not enough," he clarified. "We still have seven Americans that are there, and we’re not going to stop until that’s [not] the case. I hope that Hamas is hearing loud and clear from the president united states that they’ve got to address that issue immediately." Asked if Trump’s threat remains in place, Boehler responded, "That’s the current message of the president United States." But the hostage envoy then added that Trump "reserves the right to change or adjust as he sees fit." The threat to the future of the ceasefire had drawn thousands of Israeli protesters onto the streets this week, calling on the government to stick with the deal and bring the remaining hostages home. |
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Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
Rubio suggests resumption of Gaza war won’t end Hamas threat to Israel |
2025-02-14 |
[IsraelTimes] Top US diplomat says Arab allies must figure out how to remove Hamas from power or Israel will have to, ‘and then we’re back to where we’ve been, so that doesn’t solve the problem’ US Secretary of State Marco Rubio ...The diminutive 13-year-old Republican U.S. Senator from Florida, Secretary of State in the second Trump administration... indicated Thursday that renewed fighting in Gazoo ...Hellhole adjunct to Israel and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, inhabited by Gazooks. The place was acquired in the wake of the 1967 War and then presented to Paleostinian control in 2006 by Ariel Sharon, who had entered his dotage. It is currently ruled with a rusty iron fist by Hamas with about the living conditions you'd expect. It periodically attacks the Hated Zionist Entity whenever Iran needs a ruckus created or the hard boyz get bored, getting thumped by the IDF in return. The ruling turbans then wave the bloody shirt and holler loudly about oppressionand disproportionate response... would not ultimately end the threat that Hamas ..not a terrorist organization, even though it kidnaps people, holds hostages, and tries to negotiate by executing them,... poses to Israel, just two days after he appeared to back a resumption of the war. "Someone has to confront [Hamas]. Who’s that going to be? It’s not going to be American soldiers. If the countries in the region can’t figure that piece out, then Israel is going to have to do it, and then we’re back to where we’ve been, so that doesn’t solve the problem," Rubio said in an interview with conservative radio show hosts Clay Travis and Buck Sexton. The remarks marked the first time a Trump official has made such an acknowledgment, though it was unclear whether Rubio was speaking off the cuff or on behalf of US President Donald Trump ...New York real estate developer, described by Dems as illiterate, racist, misogynistic, and whatever other unpleasant descriptions they can think of, elected by the rest of us as 45th and 47th President of the United States... , who appeared to give Israel a green light to return to fighting when he warned earlier this week of hell breaking loose if the hostages are not all released by Saturday at noon. On Tuesday, Rubio had told NewsNation that "Hamas continues to use networks to smuggle in weaponry and aid for themselves to reconstitute themselves." "Israel can’t allow that to happen. You can’t allow Hamas to use the ceasefire to rebuild itself and recover strength," he said. "It’s a ceasefire, but it’s not a stupid ceasefire." Rubio was asked during Thursday’s interview about Trump’s proposal for the US to take over the Gaza Strip and relocate the enclave’s entire population. The secretary reiterated that the US is willing to consider alternative proposals from its Arab partners, but "any plan that leaves Hamas there is going to be a problem because Israel is not going to tolerate it." "We’re going to give [Arab allies] a chance to come up with a plan... and not just to pay for [Gaza reconstruction] because... someone’s going to have to go on the ground. Hamas has weapons," Rubio continued. He admitted that Washington’s Arab allies don’t support Trump’s proposal, "but the only plan right now is the Trump plan. If they’ve got a better plan, now’s the time to present it. So we’re looking forward to that." "All these countries say how much they care about the Paleostinians, but none of them want to take any Paleostinians. None of them have a history of doing anything for Gaza," Rubio charged. Rubio, who departed Thursday evening on a trip that will take him to the Middle East, said he hopes to discuss ideas during his stops in Saudi Arabia ![]() and the United Arab Emirates, after talks in Washington with Egypt and Jordan. Rubio is slated to visit Israel during his trip. Egypt is leading efforts to present an alternative plan to Trump’s within weeks, which would involve training a new security force in Gaza and identifying local Paleostinian leaders who would be in charge, likely ones affiliated with the Paleostinian Authority — which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected to date. Earlier Thursday, Hamas said it would release three Israeli hostages as planned Saturday, backing off a threat to delay the next release of captives after accusing Israel of failing to meet its obligations to allow tents and shelters into Gaza, among other alleged violations of the truce. Israel was reported to be pushing for additional living hostages to be released in the upcoming days, but a senior Arab official told The Times of Israel that it was unlikely that Hamas would deviate from the original timeframe of the agreement. Underscoring the fragility of the ceasefire and hostage release arrangement, a rocket was fired from Gaza on Thursday for the first time since the fighting halted last month, reportedly killing a Paleostinian teen inside the Strip and drawing the second Israeli military strike in as many days. Israel has said it will resume fighting if the hostages are not freed, and appeared to endorse Trump’s demand that all the captives be released, not only the three scheduled to return to Israel on Saturday, reflecting growing concerns over the condition of captives held in Gaza for nearly 500 days. Hamas said it held talks in Cairo with Egyptian officials and was in contact with Qatar ...an emirate on the east coast of the Arabian Peninsula. It sits on some really productive gas and oil deposits, which produces the highest per capita income in the world. They piss it all away on religion, financing the Moslem Brotherhood and several al-Qaeda affiliates. Home of nutbag holy manYusuf al-Qaradawi... ’s prime minister about bringing into Gaza more shelters, medical supplies, fuel and heavy equipment for clearing rubble — its key demand in recent days. It said in a statement that the mediators had pledged to "remove all hurdles." Egyptian media aired footage showing trucks carrying temporary housing and bulldozers on Egypt’s side of the Rafah crossing with Gaza. The reports said the trucks were heading to an Israeli inspection area before crossing into Gaza. Under the terms of the ceasefire that took effect last month, 17 hostages are still slated to be released under the deal’s first stage, nine of whom are believed to still be alive. Recent weeks have seen Hamas release 16 Israelis as part of the agreement, which also requires Israel to release over a thousand Paleostinian prisoners, including convicted forces of Evil serving life sentences for their roles in deadly attacks. Five Thai nationals kidnapped during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack that started the Gaza war have also been released. Israeli officials are expecting Hamas on Friday to name the three it intends to release on Saturday. |
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Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
Palestinians report 4 killed in Rafah; IDF says suspects were ‘imminent threat’ to troops |
2025-02-06 |
[IsraelTimes] The IDF says troops fired warning shots to disperse suspects approaching forces in several areas of the Gaza Strip today. In one incident, the military says several suspects were just a few dozen meters from troops and were identified as an “imminent threat.” The soldiers opened fire on the suspects. Palestinian media report that four were killed by Israeli fire in the Rafah area. The IDF says it is “determined to fully maintain the terms of the agreement in order to return the hostages,” and is “prepared for any scenario and will continue to take any necessary actions to thwart any immediate threat to IDF soldiers. “The IDF calls the residents of Gaza to follow its instructions and avoid approaching the troops deployed in the area,” the military adds. Related: Rafah: 2025-02-05 US officials defend Trump’s call to relocate Gazans from ‘uninhabitable plot of land’ Rafah: 2025-02-05 Tortured a subordinate and are approaching his wife: will Netanyahu retain power? Rafah: 2025-02-04 PM spokesman denies reports PA managing Rafah crossing, says only role ‘is the PA stamp on passports’ |
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Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
Tortured a subordinate and are approaching his wife: will Netanyahu retain power? |
2025-02-05 |
Direct Translation via Google Translate. Edited. by Leonid Tsukanov [REGNUM] During his long political career, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly become a defendant in criminal cases, most of them with a pronounced corruption component. However, the prosecution has never managed to unequivocally prove the politician's involvement in gray schemes. ![]() Despite this, the "prosecutor's subpoena" remains a favorite tool of the current prime minister's opponents. They do not abandon the hope of sooner or later finding a weak spot in Netanyahu's defense and undermining the position of his government. However, in pursuit of sensations, the opposition often loses previously gained advantages in cases that have not yet been closed. HUSBAND AND WIFE Although previous cases against the Israeli prime minister either fell apart or (like the Feldshein affair about controlled leaks from the prime minister’s office) did not cause significant damage to his reputation, the attacks on “the unsinkable Bibi” (as Netanyahu is ironically called in Israel) continue. He remains acquitted of charges of corruption, fraud and breach of public trust in three separate cases. In addition, checks are constantly being carried out in relation to the prime minister’s “inner circle”. Thus, the Israeli prosecutor's office recently announced the launch of a criminal investigation against the wife of the current Prime Minister, Sara Netanyahu. At the same time, according to the same press release, police investigations into the case began back in December 2024. The initiator of the procedural investigation was Naama Lazimy, a Labor Party (Avodah) MK. Lazimy insists that the Netanyahu couple and some of their close associates (in particular, the former head of the Prime Minister's political office, Hani Bleiweiss ) secretly created a "militant wing" from among activists of the ruling Likud party. The organization's goal, as noted, was to use social networks and other digital tools to "crush and divide" Netanyahu's political opponents, as well as influence investigative measures against him. Among those who suffered from the actions of the "military wing" is Hadas Klein, who was a key witness in corruption cases in the prime minister's office. Considering that Netanyahu, when he was the leader of the Knesset opposition, really did use popular protests (especially on the Internet) extremely effectively to split the liberal coalition of Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid, and then to destroy the arguments of the investigation and return to the prime minister’s chair, the conclusions about the existence of a special mobilization resource in Likud (under the strict control of the party’s leader) are not without foundation. On the other hand, the "Sara Netanyahu Affair", like previous investigations into the "secret Netanyahu empire", are based mainly on investigative journalism and anonymous sources. The opposition has not yet managed to win over any of the former activists of the ruling party. POLITICAL GAMES Lazimi’s attacks are clearly motivated by political interest – in the last elections, Avoda won only four seats in parliament. Even the tactical alliance with Meretz, which resulted in the creation of the inter-party platform HaDemocratim in the summer of 2024, did not greatly strengthen the left’s position. Early elections could improve the party alignment, especially since after the long war in Gaza and the military adventure in southern Lebanon, the ruling coalition's position has been somewhat undermined, while the opposition, on the contrary, has increased its influence on the potential electorate. Considering that Lazimi is one of the most significant figures not only in Avoda, but also in the entire HaDemocratim, early elections could well bring her a ministerial portfolio. However, to launch the procedures, ironclad arguments against the current cabinet are needed. And a major corruption scandal “at the top” partially solves this problem. PRESSURE ON THE ACCUSED While Netanyahu's enemies are looking for new reasons to accuse him of exceeding his authority and abusing his power, previous investigations, which could well have provoked a split in the ranks of supporters of the "unsinkable Bibi", are falling apart at the seams. Thus, the other day, the former Director General of the Ministry of Communications Shlomo Filber filed a civil lawsuit against the state. In 2015, he was appointed to a senior position in the ministry, which was headed by Netanyahu himself. Today, Filber accuses a large group of high-ranking officials from the Securities Authority, the Public Prosecutor's Office and the police of perjury in a case about the current prime minister's corruption connections. The lawsuit claims his original testimony was "severely altered" under pressure from securities regulators, allegedly "on orders from above." A former prosecution witness paints a very grim picture of the “testimony-coordination” process. According to him, investigators did not hesitate to use torture and even sexual violence against Filber “to make him more compliant,” as well as psychological pressure. The official was held in the Hadarim interrogation prison “under special conditions” and was subjected to psychological pressure during the 60 hours of interrogation – the lights in the interview room were turned off and he was forbidden to sleep. Filber, although he felt remorse for his perjury, could not challenge his own testimony under threat of “career consequences” and possible criminal prosecution by influential participants in the “legal deal.” Among the persons against whom the former official is demanding proceedings be opened are both retired and current officials. And despite the fact that the lawsuit is of a purely civil nature (with a demand for compensation in the amount of 10 million shekels), it is possible that it will soon turn into a serious multi-level investigation. Moreover, the prime minister’s supporters are unlikely to miss the opportunity to intercept the “prosecutor’s subpoena.” The public defeat of the prosecutors’ camp (even if some of them have already resigned and have little to do with the remaining investigations against Netanyahu) will allow the prime minister’s supporters to claim that all the cases against him were fabricated and were a “political order.” Such a turn of events is already fraught with image losses for key Israeli oppositionists, especially those who supervised the work of law enforcement agencies and "orchestrated" the investigations into Netanyahu during the Bennett-Lapid coalition. The prime minister himself will be able to exploit the image of an "innocent victim" with impunity in his zeal for the interests of the country. The advisability of the opposition's fight for early elections in this context raises questions. Related: Benjamin Netanyahu 02/04/2025 PM spokesman denies reports PA managing Rafah crossing, says only role ‘is the PA stamp on passports’ Benjamin Netanyahu 02/04/2025 Palestinians accuse Israel of ‘ethnic cleansing’ in West Bank, urge US intervention Benjamin Netanyahu 02/04/2025 '60 Minutes' producer defiant as CBS parent company mulls settling Trump lawsuit: 'I will not apologize' Related: Sara Netanyahu 02/03/2025 Criminal probe launched into Sara Netanyahu over allegations of witness tampering Sara Netanyahu 06/17/2019 Israel PM's wife convicted of misusing public funds Sara Netanyahu 01/02/2019 Honduras agrees to advance Jerusalem embassy move, sides say |
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Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
PM spokesman denies reports PA managing Rafah crossing, says only role ‘is the PA stamp on passports’ |
2025-02-04 |
[IsraelTimes] After reports that the Palestinian Authority is involved in running the Rafah Crossing from Egypt into Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s spokesman issues a denial while acknowledging a minor PA role at the key site. “The Palestinian Authority does not operate the Rafah Crossing, despite the narrative it is trying to create,” writes Omer Dostri on X. Netanyahu has consistently pledged that Israel would retain control over the site. “Nothing has changed in the management of civilian affairs in Gaza since the beginning of the war, including at the Rafah Crossing,” Dostri continues. “The only involvement of the PA is the PA stamp on passports, which according to the international arrangement only allows Gazans to leave for other countries or to be absorbed into them.” Ynet reported that nine PA police officers are back at the crossing, managing the site alongside Egyptian and European officials. A 2005 agreement between Israel and the PA stipulates that Rafah Crossing would be controlled by the PA under EU supervision. After a January report in a Saudi outlet that Israel would allow the PA to manage the crossing under international supervision, the PMO issued a similar statement, noting that “non-Hamas Gazans” provide technical management of the crossing with international oversight, and the PA provides the stamp on passports allowing Gazans to exit the Strip. Related: Rafah Crossing: 2025-02-02 After 9 months, Rafah Border Crossing reopens for patients to leave Gaza for Egypt Rafah Crossing: 2025-02-01 Gaza’s Rafah crossing set to reopen Saturday, to be run by PA with EU monitors Rafah Crossing: 2025-01-30 Germany Planning To Send Armed Border Experts To Rafah Crossing Related: Palestinian Authority: 2025-02-03 Palestinian indicted over 2007 deadly shooting in the West Bank Palestinian Authority: 2025-02-02 IDF carries out two drone strikes in Jenin area; Palestinians say 4 dead, including teen Palestinian Authority: 2025-01-31 Hamas official claims group continuing to rule Gaza, not going anywhere |
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Israel-Palestine-Jordan |
Gaza’s Rafah crossing set to reopen Saturday, to be run by PA with EU monitors |
2025-02-01 |
[IsraelTimes] Officials say crossing will initially be opened for 50 injured Hamas operatives and 50 wounded civilians Gazoo ...Hellhole adjunct to Israel and Egypt's Sinai Peninsula, inhabited by Gazooks. The place was acquired in the wake of the 1967 War and then presented to Paleostinian control in 2006 by Ariel Sharon, who had entered his dotage. It is currently ruled with a rusty iron fist by Hamas with about the living conditions you'd expect. It periodically attacks the Hated Zionist Entity whenever Iran needs a ruckus created or the hard boyz get bored, getting thumped by the IDF in return. The ruling turbans then wave the bloody shirt and holler loudly about oppressionand disproportionate response... ’s Rafah Border Crossing with Egypt is set to reopen Saturday under the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas ![]() . It will be run by Paleostinian Authority representatives alongside monitors from the European Union ...the successor to the Holy Roman Empire, only without the Hapsburgs and the nifty uniforms and the dancing... , according to officials familiar with the discussions. "The mediators informed Hamas of Israel’s approval to open Rafah crossing tomorrow, Saturday, after the completion of the fourth batch of prisoner exchange," a Hamas official told AFP. The source explained that injured Paleostinians would be evacuated through the crossing, "as per the Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement." The Rafah Crossing with Egypt was one of the main entry points into the Gaza Strip and a vital conduit for aid, but the border has been closed since Israeli forces seized it in May last year, largely due to Egyptian refusal to keep the passage open so long as Israeli forces held it. The European Union’s foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Friday that the 27-member bloc had deployed a monitoring mission at the crossing "at the request of the Paleostinians and the Israelis." "It will support Paleostinian border personnel and allow the transfer of individuals out of Gaza, including those who need medical care," she wrote on X. Egyptian security sources confirmed that members of the EU team had arrived at the facility. The crossing will now be run by members of the Paleostinian Authority and European monitors, PA and Hamas officials said. People will only be allowed to travel in one direction, from Gaza to Egypt, for the time being, officials said. It will be opened initially for 50 injured Hamas operatives and 50 maimed civilians, along with the people escorting them, the officials said, adding that a further 100 people, most likely students, would be allowed through on humanitarian grounds. Gaza’s health ministry said the transportation of patients from two hospitals in the north and south of the enclave would be coordinated with the World Health Organization. A civilian EU mission to help monitor the Rafah Crossing began work there in 2005 but was suspended in June 2007 after Hamas In standby mode thereafter, the mission had maintained 10 international and eight local staff. Spain, Italia and La Belle France are now contributing personnel to the renewed mission. The Spanish contingent comprises eight security specialists and two agents assigned to the border management team, joining two Spanish members of the mission already deployed there, the foreign and interior ministries in Madrid said. La Belle France said it had deployed three gendarmes specialized in border policing on Friday as part of the EU mission, while Italia said it had sent seven paramilitary Carabinieri officers to join two Italians already at the Rafah mission. German ministries are also discussing sending a contingent. |
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Europe | |
Germany Planning To Send Armed Border Experts To Rafah Crossing | |
2025-01-30 | |
[MSN - DPA] The German government plans to send border management experts to the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, government sources have told dpa. To facilitate the deployment, Berlin plans to amend a 2005 Cabinet decision that previously allowed only unarmed personnel to be sent, according to the government sources. The adjustment would permit the deployment of armed forces, as the current security situation is deemed too dangerous for unarmed border guards.
The mission, first established in 2005 to help control the crossing, was suspended in 2007 when Hamas took control in the Gaza Strip, as the EU refused to cooperate with the Palestinian militant organization. In an initial phase, a low double-digit number of EU border experts and support staff are to be deployed to supervise border checks, if possible from the beginning of February. The reopening of the Rafah crossing is part of a three-phase ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, and should enable significant amounts of humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani on Monday said that Italy, Spain and France are the first three EU countries to send personnel to Rafah. German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has publicly advocated for the deployment, calling it an important signal of Europe's commitment to global responsibility. Related: Rafah crossing: 2025-01-28 EU to redeploy monitors at Rafah Border Crossing in bid to bolster Gaza ceasefire Rafah crossing: 2025-01-19 Israeli army issues instructions to Gaza ahead of ceasefire Rafah crossing: 2024-12-03 After Cairo talks, Hamas says it’s waiting for international pressure on Israel to end war | |
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