Live Updates
Middle East Eye, May 22 2024
Slovenia is weighing recognising a Palestinian state, UN ambassador says: Report
Slovenia is weighing whether to join other European countries in recognising a Palestinian state, the country’s ambassador to the UN, told Al Jazeera. Slovenia’s ambassador, Samuel Zbogar, said the country will finalise its internal decision by Jun 13 but wanted to contribute to the “momentum.” He said:
We want to create a momentum which was created this morning by three countries, want to continue that momentum and in that way to help stabilise the situation on the ground, as well as creating momentum for a two-state solution, which is now somehow on the shelf.
UN distributed biscuits from US-built pier
The UN World Food Program has distributed the first food to have arrived from a US-built pier in Gaza. The UN said in recent days it handed out a “limited number” of high energy biscuits, marking the first time food from the pier has been distributed to Palestinians by the UN. The biscuits came in one of the first shipments unloaded from the pier Friday, WFP spokesman Steve Taravella said.
Israel’s army confirms video of soldier burning Quran in Gaza: Report
Israel’s army has confirmed a video of a soldier throwing a Quran into a fire in Gaza, according to the Israeli public broadcaster Kan. The Israeli soldier posted the footage on his Instagram account. The military said the action was “not consistent” with its values and is investigating.
Israel’s war cabinet plans to support new proposal to obtain hostages’ release: Report
Israel’s war cabinet plans to back a new proposal to obtain the release of hostages held in Gaza, amid tensions with mediator Egypt and pressure from hostages family members. The report comes after a forum of Israeli hostage family members released a video purporting to show the abduction and interrogation of seven female Israeli soldiers by Palestinian fighters. Hostage talks have stalled in recent weeks and Egypt threatened to withdraw as mediator amid frustration with reports about its role in the talks.
Israel weighs closing embassy in Ireland: Report
Israel is considering closing its embassy in Ireland in response to Dublin’s move to recognise a Palestinian state, according to Yediot Ahronot. Ireland joined Norway and Spain to recognise a Palestinian state on Wednesday. Netanyahu slammed the move.
Israeli strikes on Gaza hit mosque and kill children
Israel bombed a mosque in the Al-Daraj neighborhood of Gaza City sheltering forcibly displaced Palestinians, according to Arabic media reports. The strike on Al Zahra Mosque came as Israel continued to pummel the Gaza Strip. An Israeli strike north of the Nuseirat refugee camp in the center of Gaza also killed children, according to Arabic media reports.
Columbia moving to open embassy in Ramallah
Columbia’s President Gustavo Petro has ordered the opening of an embassy in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah, according to the South American country’s foreign minister, Luis Gilberto Murillo, who said on Wednesday:
President Petro has given the order that we open the Colombian embassy in Ramallah, the representation of Colombia in Ramallah, that is the next step we are going to take.
Petro said earlier this month that Columbia would cut ties with Israel and has asked to join South Africa’s case accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice.
UCLA police chief reassigned after pro-Israeli mob attacked Palestinian encampment
The police chief for the UCLA has been removed from his post three weeks after pro-Palestinian protestors were attacked by pro-Israel counterparts. John Thomas, who was appointed UCLA police chief in January, was criticised for his handling a mob attack on a pro-Palestinian encampment. Pro-Israel supporters attacked the camp with clubs and poles. Some pro-Palestinian protestors said they were attacked by firecrackers. Thomas was “reassigned temporarily, pending an examination of our security processes,” UCLA Vice Chancellor Mary Osako said in a statement on Wednesday.
Turkey thanks Ireland, Spain and Norway for recognising Palestine
Erdogan welcomed a move by Ireland, Spain and Norway to recognise the state of Palestine, as he called for more countries to follow. “I am very pleased with today’s announcements,” said Erdogan on Wednesday during a speech in Ankara.
Israel’s endgame in Gaza is setting the stage for a future intifada, analyst tells MEE
The potential endgame of Israel’s war on Gaza appears to be “setting the stage for a future intifada,” an analyst told Middle East Eye. A recent report in the WaPo highlighted that conversations between top US officials about a potential end to Israel’s war on Gaza are formulating into a multi-step plan that would see Hamas active in the besieged enclave and continued Israeli raids in Gaza. Adam Weinstein, deputy director of the Middle East programme at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, told Middle East Eye:
If your goal was to degrade Hamas enough that Hamas could not present a credible threat to Israel for let’s say the next 10 years then, fine, I suppose it makes sense. If your goal is to have stability and ensure that you don’t face another intifada in the future, then it doesn’t make sense.
Read More: Reported US-Israel plan for Gaza ‘day after’ leaves enclave in ‘permanent instability.’
Hamas calls on leaders to apologise after AP debunks widespread sexual assault allegations
Hamas welcomed an AP report published on Wednesday that shed light on debunked allegations of sexual violence perpetrated by Palestinian fighters on Oct 7. Hamas said in a statement:
The report published by the American AP agency, in which it confirmed that the allegations of the Zionist entity that the Palestinian resistance committed sexual violence on Oct 7 are not true, and that they were deliberately fabricated, is a new slap in the face of the promoters of these baseless allegations.
The report explores the testimony of Chaim Otmazgin, a volunteer with ZAKA Israeli search and rescue organization, that was used to document purported allegations of violence by Palestinian fighters on 7 October, but much of that testimony was later debunked. The AP said:
Some allege the accounts of sexual assault were purposely concocted. ZAKA officials and others dispute that. Regardless, AP’s examination of ZAKA’s handling of the now debunked stories shows how information can be clouded and distorted in the chaos of the conflict.
Hamas said the AP report and other articles “proved that they are pure lies and blatant fabrications.” The group called on Biden and members of European countries to “apologise, stop repeating these false accusations against the resistance and the Palestinian people.”
Canada’s Green Party welcomes ICC prosecutor’s call for arrest warrants
The Green Party in Canada welcomed the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court’s call for arrest warrants for Israeli officials on charges of war crimes. The party said in a statement on Wednesday:
The Green Party of Canada welcomes the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) Prosecutor applications for arrest warrants for war crimes and crimes against humanity in relation to the situation in the State of Palestine against three Hamas commanders and two Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Egypt continues to push back on CNN report about mediation
More details are coming out about Egypt’s growing anger over a CNN report that cited sources saying Cairo had inserted language into a May ceasefire proposal that caught the US and Israel off guard. Diaa Rashwan, head of Egypt’s State Information Service, said in a tweet:
Attempts to cast doubt and offend Egypt’s mediation efforts will only lead to further complications of the situation in Gaza and the entire region and may push Egypt to completely withdraw from its mediation in the current conflict. Egypt is only mediating ceasefire talks on the insistence of the US and Israel.
US officials have suggested Egypt is to blame for the failure of the Rafah border crossing to open, a claim Egypt denies. Cairo is also upset over a CNN article that alleged an Egyptian intelligence official changed the terms of a ceasefire proposal that Israel agreed to in order to appease Hamas.
Egypt says it may withdraw from Gaza mediation in response to ‘attempts to doubt its role’
Egypt says it may withdraw from mediating between Israel and Hamas to end the Gaza war amid efforts to “doubt its role.” The head of Egypt’s State Information Service (SIS) Diaa Rashwan told the state-affiliated Al-Qahera News TV on Wednesday that it may “completely withdraw” from the mediation. The public threat comes as the US steps up criticism of Egypt, with officials appearing to side with Israel over Cairo in a spat over who is responsible for the closure of Rafah’s border crossing. The US and Israel have relied on Egypt to relay messages to Hamas’s armed wing, the al-Qassam Brigades. Current and former US officials and analysts say Israel and the US also need Egypt to destroy Hamas tunnels in Sinai and hunt for senior Hamas officials.
Palestinian death toll from Jenin raid increases to 10
The death from Israel’s raid on Jenin in the occupied West Bank increased to 10, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The raid has been ongoing since Tuesday when eight were killed. Two more Palestinians were killed on Wednesday. The casualty toll from the attack now stands at 10 Palestinians killed and 25 injured.
US national security advisor slams Israel’s move to withhold funds to PA
US National Security advisor Jake Sullivan criticised Israel for withholding tax revenues from the Palestinian Authority on Wednesday. Sullivan slammed Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s move earlier today to stop making payments to the PA in response to the moves by Spain, Ireland, and Norway to recognise a Palestinian state. Sullivan said:
I think it’s wrong. I think it’s wrong on a strategic basis because withholding funds destabilises the West Bank, it undermines the search for security and prosperity for the Palestinian people, which is in Israel’s interests.
The Biden administration is trying to bolster the embattled PA with the aim of having them take over post-war governance in Gaza, a move Netanyahu publicly rejects.
Hostage families group releases video showing abduction of Israeli female soldiers
A video has been released by a forum of Israeli hostage family members purporting to show the abduction and interrogation of seven female Israeli soldiers by Palestinian fighters. The video shows seven young female Israeli soldiers with bloodied faces and bruises. Their hands are tied behind their backs, and the soldiers are lined up against a wall by Palestinian fighters. The video was taken on Oct 7 at Israel’s Nahal Oz military base, which armed groups briefly seized as part of their surprise attack on southern Israel. MEE can’t confirm the authenticity of the video. Reuters removed subtitles on the video, saying that there were discrepancies between the text on screen and their audio translation. The Hostages Families Forum which released the video said it had previously been released by Hamas. the Hostage Families Forum said in a press release accompanying the video:
Every new testimony about what happened to the hostages echoes the same tragic truth – we must bring them all back home, now.
Israeli drone strike kills at least seven Palestinians in Gaza City
At least seven Palestinians have been killed by an Israeli army drone strike in Gaza City, according to WAFA. The Israeli drone strike targeted a group of people in the Zeitoun neighbourhood of Gaza City. The attack killed children and injured at least 20 others, WAFA reported.
Arab ministers to meet EU counterparts to discuss ending Gaza war
A group of Arab ministers is set to meet with their EU counterparts on Monday to discuss efforts to end Israel’s war on Gaza, Sven Koopmans, the EU special representative for the Middle East peace process, said. Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, and the UAE will send representatives to a meeting with EU foreign ministers in Brussels. The move comes after Ireland, Spain and Norway recognised a Palestinian state.
Israel controls 70% of Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor: Report
Israel has seized control of around 70% of Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, the WSJ reported, citing Egyptian officials. Israel is expanding its offensive on Rafah, doubling the number of brigades operating in the southern Gaza border town, according to Israeli Army radio reports. Israel’s control over the Philadelphi Corridor has riled tensions with Egypt.
Three Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza by Hamas snipers, explosive device
Three Israeli soldiers were killed fighting in northern Gaza on Wednesday, Israel’s military said. Two soldiers were killed in a Hamas sniper attack in northern Gaza’s Beit Hanoun. Another soldier was killed by an explosive device in a building in northern Gaza. The new deaths bring Israel’s total killed in Gaza to 286.
University of Melbourne will disclose research ties to arms manufacturers
The University of Melbourne will disclose all of its research partnerships with arms producers, agreeing to a major demand of pro-Palestinian demonstrators. A grassroots pro-Palestinian movement of students, staff and alumni welcomed the decision as “a major win.” Unimelb for Palestine tweeted:
We recognise the University’s decision is the result of eight months of pressure to disclose and divest its unethical ties to weapons manufactures. This outcome is only a partial achievement.
The group said it was ending its sit-in on the University’s South Lawn and other locations, but will continue to press for its full demands.
Blinken says US-Saudi defence and energy agreements weeks away
The US and Saudi Arabia are ‘weeks away’ from concluding agreements on nuclear energy, security and defence cooperation, and that the Biden administration wants to bundle into a normalisation deal between Riyadh and Israel. The US says it wants to present the bilateral side of the agreement to Israel to move towards a two-state solution. Blinken has previously voiced skepticism whether Israel would agree to the establishment of a Palestinian state. Blinken said during a hearing at the House of Representatives:
Those agreements are in principle very close to being able to be concluded. Now of course we will come to Congress with them when they’re ready to be reviewed, but we could be really weeks away from being able to conclude them. However, in order for normalization to proceed, Saudi Arabia has made very clear that even with the agreements between us completed, they have to have two things: they have to have calm in Gaza and they have to have a credible pathway to a Palestinian state.
Netanyahu says recognising Palestinian state is a ‘prize for terrorism’
Netanyahu has slammed Norway, Ireland and Spain for recognising a Palestinian state, saying the move was a “prize for terrorism.” Netanyahu on Wednesday said the announcement would not derail Israel’s war on Gaza. Netanyahu said in a statement:
This would be a terrorist state. It would try to carry out the Oct 7 massacre again and again, and that we shall not agree to.
Blinken blames Egypt for closure of Rafah border crossing
The US singled out Egypt for the second time in less than a day, suggesting Cairo has failed to ensure aid is moving into the Gaza Strip. Blinken on Wednesday said Egypt needed to do all it could to ensure the delivery of aid to Gaza. Blinken said:
So we need to find a way to make sure that the assistance that would go through Rafah can get through safely, but we do strongly urge our Egyptian partners to do everything that they can on their end of things to make sure that assistance is flowing.
A senior US official briefing reporters yesterday suggested Egypt was to blame for the closure of Rafah border crossing.
More than two Palestinians killed every hour in Gaza
In the last 24 hours, 62 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip, amid reports of fresh air raids on Jabalia refugee camp and Rafah. More than two Palestinians were killed ever hour in the Gaza Strip, according to WAFA, citing Palestinian medical sources. 138 Palestinians have been injured. The death toll comes amid heavy fighting in Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip, according to Arabic media reports.
Israel’s raid on Jenin stretches into second day: Report
Israel’s raid on Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank has continued for a second day. The casualty toll from the attack has increased to 8 Palestinians killed and 24 injured, including 4 in serious condition, according to Arabic media outlets. Israeli forces have left widespread destruction across Jenin, including vandalising Palestinian homes, according to the reports
PRCS evacuates families from Jenin refugee camp
Palestine Red Crescent Society has posted a video on Twitter showing its ambulance crews evacuating families from Jenin camp, where a large-scale Israeli raid has been ongoing since Tuesday. The society said the families were evacuated after their “homes were taken over and turned into military outposts” by Israeli forces during their ongoing assault on the city and its camp. At least seven Palestinians, including a teacher, a doctor and students have been killed by Israeli forces during the incursion.
Hamas urges West Bank Palestinians to ‘engage in intifada’
Hamas is calling on Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, particularly in the city and refugee camp of Jenin, to resist Israeli assaults “that have targeted all aspects of Palestinian life.” In a statement, Haroun Nasser al-Din, a member of the group’s political bureau called on Palestinians across the West Bank to “engage in an intifada in response to these ugly crimes, and to confront the occupation forces.” His comments come amid a large-scale Israeli assault on Jenin city and refugee camp, in which at least seven Palestinians were killed, including a doctor, a teacher and students.
Israel has killed just 30% to 3% of Hamas fighters, US reportedly believes
Only around 30% to 35% of Hamas fighters have been killed after more than seven months of operations by Israel in the Gaza Strip, US intelligence sources told Politico. The majority of fighters who were members of the Palestinian movement prior to the Oct 7 attack in southern Israel are still alive, even as the death toll in Gaza has reached over 35k dead, mostly women and children. In addition, around 65% of Hamas’ tunnel infrastructure remains intact, Politico’s sources said, and thousands of new members are said to have been recruited to the group in recent months. The report comes as Washington has become increasingly concerned about the viability of Israel’s stated aim of destroying the Palestinian group. On Monday, Joint Chiefs chair General CQ Brown criticised Israel’s strategy in Gaza, warning that the failure of Israeli forces to both secure captured territory and eliminate Hamas from northern Gaza was hampering its ability to achieve its military objectives. Read more: Israel has killed just 30% to 35% of Hamas fighters, US reportedly believes.
Gaza media office: No medical services in two Gaza governorates
The Gaza government media office has said that medical services are no longer available in the Gaza City and North Gaza governorates. In a post on its official Telegram channel the office said:
The closure of Kamal Adwan Hospital and the ongoing siege of al-Awda Hospital has led to a cessation of all services, including those relating to primary health, maternity health and children’s vaccinations. We demand the establishment of field hospitals and the entry of medical delegations immediately and urgently. Without this, 0.7m people could face a humanitarian catastrophe.
Palestinian man shot by Israeli forces in ongoing raid of Jenin
A young Palestinian man was shot and injured by Israeli forces on Monday, with several others detained during its raid of the city of Jenin and its refugee camp, which has been ongoing since Tuesday, Wafa news agency is reporting citing local sources. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported that its crews had transported an injured young man who had been shot in different parts of his body from Jenin refugee camp to hospital. Local sources also reported that Israeli forces had detained several people during the raids, including a woman. Israeli forces launched a large scale assault on the West Bank city on Tuesday, killing at least seven Palestinian students, a teacher and a doctor.
UNRWA: 75% of Gaza population forcibly displaced
UNRWA has said that 75% of Gaza’s population have been forcibly displaced, many of them up to four or five times. In the latest wave of displacements, over 0.9m people have fled Rafah after Israeli forces ordered residents to evacuate, the UN said on Tuesday. Also on Tuesday, Unrwa said that the population sheltering in its facilities in Khan Younis alone had surged by 36%. It added that families sheltering there lacked tents, essential services and vital supplies. “No one is safe in Gaza,” the agency said in a tweet.
Over 100 UK parliamentarians call on government to defend ICC
A cross-party group of British MPs and Lords have called on the UK government to “do all it can” to support the work of the International Criminal Court, following the chief prosector’s request for arrest warrants for Israeli and Hamas leaders. An open letter signed by 105 MPs from 11 parties, organised by Labour MPs Richard Burgon and Imran Hussain, called for the UK government “take a clear stance against any attempts to intimidate an independent and impartial international court,” adding that “the court, its prosecutor and all its staff must be free to pursue justice without fear or favour.” The parliamentarians also urged Foreign Secretary David Cameron “to condemn any threats and attempts to undermine the independence and impartiality of the International Criminal Court in its investigations into crimes in Gaza.” A number of US senators have warned that the ICC would be sanctioned if it issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders. In response to the announcement of the chief prosecutor’s decision on Monday, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said the move was a “deeply unhelpful development.”
US: Palestinian state should be achieved through negotiations
A White House spox has said that Biden believes that a Palestinian state should be achieved through direct negotiations between the parties following Ireland, Spain and Norway’s announcement that they would recognise a Palestinian state. The spokesperson emphasised:
President Biden is a strong supporter of a two-state solution and has been throughout his career, but he believes a Palestinian state should be realised through direct negotiations between the parties, not through unilateral recognition.
Gaza death toll tops 35.7k
The death toll of Palestinians killed in Gaza by Israeli forces since 7 October has risen to 35.7k, with another 80k injured, the Gaza health ministry said in a statement on Wednesday.
Ireland: Palestinian state recognition based on 1967 borders
Ireland’s Foreign Minister Micheal Martin has said that his country plans to recognise the Palestinian state based on the armistice lines of 1949, or what’s commonly referred to as the June 1967 borders. Martin told RTE radio:
When we recognise a state, we don’t recognise the government of the day, we recognise the state in terms of a permanent population of people, in terms of defined borders, and in this case it’s the 1967 borders, a defined territory involving Gaza, the West Bank and a capital of both an Israeli state and a Palestinian state in Jerusalem.
He added that formal recognition would take place on Tuesday.
Egypt welcomes recognition of Palestine by Norway, Ireland and Spain
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed the decision to recognise the state of Palestine by Norway, Ireland and Spain, saying that it was an important step in the establishing of an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders. The ministry called on all countries to join the move, and reiterated its call to the UN Security Council for the immediate implementation of a ceasefire.
UK legal group files war crimes complaint with Scotland Yard
The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has submitted a complaint to Scotland Yard’s War Crimes Team, addressing Israel’s suspected use of “starvation as a method of warfare” and for “wilfully causing great suffering” to Palestinians during its war on Gaza. The complaint follows an initial submission in January, which accused four UK ministers of “alleged complicity and criminal responsibility in Israeli war crimes.” The latest complaint includes a fifth senior government minister. the ICJP said in a statement:
The alleged criminal acts are prosecutable in the UK and will now be considered by Scotland Yard’s War Crimes Investigation Team before a decision is made by them whether to open a formal criminal investigation, which could see alleged perpetrators questioned, arrested and prosecuted.
The submission is based on 800 pages documenting evidence including “firsthand eyewitnesses, expert reports and expert evidence from 19 medical professionals who have worked in Gaza since October.”
Al-Aqsa ‘belongs only to Israel,’ says Ben Gvir during ‘incendiary’ visit
Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on the day a number of European countries recognised a Palestinian state, amid the ongoing war on Gaza. Images showed Itamar Ben Gvir entering the complex flanked by heavily armed Israeli forces. In a video taken from the courtyards of the mosque, the far-right minister said the Jerusalem site “belongs only to the state of Israel.” His visit came as Spain, Ireland and Norway announced their recognition of the state of Palestine, which in turn prompted Israel to recall its ambassadors. Read more: Al-Aqsa ‘belongs only to Israel’, says Ben Gvir during ‘incendiary’ visit.
Saudi Arabia supports recognition of Palestine by European countries
Saudi Arabia stated in a tweet:
The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s welcome of the positive decision taken by the Kingdom of Norway, the Kingdom of Spain and the Republic of Ireland to recognise the sisterly State of Palestine.
Palestine recognition ‘important step towards two-state solution’: Jordan
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi told a news conference on Wednesday:
We value this decision and consider it an important and essential step towards a two-state solution that embodies an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the July 1967 borders.
Smotrich set to cut funds to Palestinian Authority
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich is demanding that Netanyahu take action against the Palestinian Authority following the steps taken on Wednesday by Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognise Palestine as a state. Smotrich is calling for stopping the transfer of tax funds collected by Israel on behalf of the PA and told Netanyahu that he was halting the transfer of tax funds “until further notice.” Additionally, Smotrich seemed to hint that he would cancel a recently agreed arrangement under which Israel transfers these Palestinian tax funds via Norway, which was set up after far-right coalition members opposed the direct transfer of the funds to the PA. He said:
Norway was the first to unilaterally recognise a Palestinian state today, and it cannot be a partner in anything related to Judea and Samaria.
France will not recognise Palestinian state: Report
France has refused to follow three other European countries who recognised Palestine on Wednesday. Recognising Palestine as a state is not “taboo” for the country, French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne wrote in a statement to AFP:
Our position is clear: the recognition of a Palestinian state is not a taboo for France. France does not consider that the conditions have been present to date for this decision to have a real impact in this process.
In a coordinated step earlier on Wednesday, Norway, Ireland and Spain recognised Palestine as a state despite Israeli condemnation. The move has been described as a historic attempt to bring peace to the Middle East.
New routes planned after Gaza aid from US-built pier halted
The UN is looking at new routes within the besieged Gaza Strip to transport aid from a US-built floating pier, which remains unused since Saturday after opening on Friday last week. UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York on Tuesday:
Crowds had stopped the trucks at various points along the way. There was what I think I would refer to as self-distribution. These trucks were traveling through areas where there’d been no aid. I think people feared that they would never see aid. They grabbed what they could.
European recognition is a ‘turning point on Palestinian issue’: Hamas
A senior member of Hamas’s political bureau, Bassem Naim, says it was down to the “brave resistance” of the Palestinian people that Norway, Ireland and Spain were galvanised to recognise Palestine as a state on Wednesday. Naim told AFP:
These successive recognitions are the direct result of this brave resistance and the legendary steadfastness of the Palestinian people. We believe this will be a turning point in the international position on the Palestinian issue.
Palestinian ambassador to Ireland praises country for taking brave step
The Palestinian ambassador to Ireland, Jilan Wahba Abdalmajid, thanked the Irish government for its formal recognition of the state of Palestine. Abdalmajid told RTE Morning Ireland:
I think it’s the time, it’s not just symbolic; it’s a recognition of our rights, of 13 million people, of Palestinian people, to self-determination, and to live in peace and security in a sovereign state. That acknowledgment of recognition is highly welcomed by the Palestinian leadership. And of course by all the Palestinians. What’s going on in Gaza at the minute and in the West Bank needs the international community to take action. This action, the recognition of the rights of the Palestinians gives hope to the Palestinians, that they are seen, they are heard. They are not alone, and the international community believes in their rights, to live in peace and security in their sovereign state.
‘It is past time for Palestine to take its place amongst nations of the world’: Ireland
In a tweet, Irish Foreign Minister Micheal Martin says:
Ireland has laid out its unambiguous support for the equal right to security, dignity, and self-determination for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.
PLO thanks countries recognising Palestinian statehood
Hussein al-Sheikh, the secretary general of the executive committee of the PLO said:
A historical moment in which the free world triumphs for truth and justice after long decades of Palestinian national struggle, suffering, pain, occupation, racism, murder, oppression, abuse and destruction to which the people of Palestine were subjected. We thank the countries of the world that have recognised and will recognise the independent state of Palestine.
Itamar Ben Gvir storms Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir arrived in occupied East Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque for the first time since the war started in October. The move is highly provocative and comes as Ireland, Spain and Norway recognise Palestine as a state.
Spanish PM’s comments on Palestine recognition
Speaking to the congress on Wednesday, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that his government would recognise the state of Palestine on May 28 following the lead set by Norway and Ireland. Sanchez said that his government rejected “the massacre in Gaza and the rest of the Palestinian territories,” calling for an end to the fighting and a two-state solution. Sanchez said:
Prime Minister Netanyahu is still turning a blind eye and bombing hospitals, schools, homes. He is still using hunger, cold and terror to punish more than a million innocent boys and girls, and things have gone so far that prosecutors at the International Criminal Court have this week sought his arrest for war crimes. Netanyahu has no peace plan for Palestine. Those countries that defend human rights and rule-based international law are obliged to act, in Ukraine and in Palestine, without double standards. We’re obliged to do what we can: sending humanitarian aid, as we are; helping refugees and displaced people, as we are. We also have to use all the political resources at our disposal to say, loud and clear, that we’re not going to allow the possibility of the two-state solution to be destroyed by force because it’s the only just and sustainable solution to this terrible conflict. That is why I wish to inform you that after discussing the decision with the two parties that make up this progressive coalition government, and in keeping with the feelings of the majority of the Spanish people, Spain’s cabinet will approve the recognition of the Palestinian state on Tuesday May 28.
Reaction to Ireland’s move to recognise Palestine
Oxfam Ireland CEO Jim Clarken said:
Ireland is showing real and brave leadership on the international stage and today’s move strongly reinforces our commitment to a two-state solution to this long-standing conflict. Ireland is demonstrating solidarity with the Palestinian people in the strongest political terms and the clock cannot now be turned back. Today’s move by Ireland and its allies should encourage other countries and the EU to join an unstoppable march to allow Palestine to take its rightful place as full, unquestioned members of the countries of the world.
What did Ireland say regarding Palestine?
Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris said in his opening remarks this morning:
We recognise the state of Palestine. Recognising the Palestinian people’s aspirations to live freely is the right thing to do. Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing the most appalling hardship and suffering. Hamas has nothing to offer them.
Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said:
We recognise the state of Palestine, just as we equally and resolutely recognise the state of Israel.
Green party leader Eamon Ryan added:
This is not an endorsement of Hamas.
Other European countries considering Palestine recognition: Norway
When asked if other countries are considering recognising Palestine, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store said:
My impression is that there is reflection going on in some more countries, but I will not go into detail on that. I think they will make their position known when they are ready to do so. The US have responded to us that they are not in a position or not ready to make that recommendation. But they have understood, and they respect the decision we have taken.
What did Norway’s prime minister say in recognising Palestine?
What did the Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store say in explaining his government’s reasons for recognising Palestine as a state? He said:
We must keep alive the only alternative that offers a political solution for Israelis and Palestinians alike: two states, living side by side in peace and security. Recognition of Palestine can strengthen the moderate forces in Palestine, those working for a two-state solution. It can also strengthen moderate forces on the Israeli side and it can provide hope for the future for Palestinians. This also sends a strong message to other countries to follow the example of Norway, and a number of other European countries, and recognise the state of Palestine. The ongoing war in Gaza has made it abundantly clear that achieving peace and stability must be predicated on resolving the Palestinian question. The goal is to achieve a Palestinian state that is politically cohesive and that derives from the Palestinian Authority. We believe the two-state solution is in Israel’s best interest.
Spain also to recognise Palestine on May 28
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has just announced that his country will also recognise the state of Palestine on May 28.
Ireland announces that it recognises Palestine as a state
The Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris is now speaking.
Israel recalls ambassadors to Ireland, Norway citing Palestinian recognition
Israel’s Foreign Minister Israel Katz ordered a recall of its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway citing the countries’ decision to recognise a Palestinian state on Wednesday. He said:
I’m sending today a clear message. Israel won’t overlook those who undercut its sovereignty and endanger its security.
The minister warned that the countries’ “rash decisions” will have “other dire consequences,” adding that similar steps will be taken if Spain follows suit.
Norway will recognise Palestinian statehood says prime minister
In a press conference the Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store announced on Wednesday morning that his country will recognise an independent Palestinian state on May 28. Store said:
There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition.
Norway set to recognise Palestinian state: Reports
Norway’s government is set to join Spain and Ireland in announcing today that it recognises an independent Palestinian state, public broadcaster NRK and daily Aftenposten have reported, citing unnamed sources. The three Irish government leaders (premier Simon Harris, deputy premier Micheál Martin and minister Eamon Ryan) are due to hold a press conference on Wednesday morning. Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, will also reveal a date for formal recognition on Wednesday, after announcing his intention last week to do so.
Republicans to invite Netanyahu to address Congress despite ICC warrant request
Mike Johnson, the Republican Speaker of the US House of Representatives, is set to move ahead with an invitation to Netanyahu who is currently a war crimes suspect, to address US lawmakers. Johnson said the invitation has not yet been sent as he waits for the Democratic leader of the Senate, Chuck Schumer, to sign a letter of invitation to a joint session. If Schumer does not do so by Tuesday, Johnson said:
We’re going to proceed and invite Netanyahu just to the House.
Israel’s lack of military gains against Hamas is being felt in Washington
The top-ranking general in the US criticised on Monday Israel’s military strategy in Gaza, warning that the failure of Israeli forces to both secure captured territory and eliminate Hamas from northern Gaza is hampering its ability to achieve its military objectives. Joint Chiefs chair General Charles Brown said, as reported by Politico:
Not only do you have to actually go in and clear out whatever adversary you are up against, you have to go in, hold the territory and then you’ve got to stabilise it.
Brown said the Israeli military’s tactic of moving Hamas fighters to different parts of Gaza has made securing the areas it occupies more difficult. Read more: Israel’s lack of military gains against Hamas is being felt in Washington.
Netanyahu claims to oppose Israeli settlements in Gaza
Netanyahu told CNN:
Reestablishing settlements in Gaza was never in the cards. Some of my constituents are not happy about it, but that’s my position.
Netanyahu’s track record, however, shows that for the international media he says one thing and in Israel he says another. In the interview, Netanyahu also called for the “sustained demilitarisation of Gaza” and a “civilian administration that is run by Gazans who are neither Hamas nor committed to our destruction.” He also called for the “reconstruction of Gaza” to be led by the “moderate Arab states and the international community.” Arab states have said that they will only be involved in the reconstruction of Gaza if Israel provides a pathway to Palestinian statehood.
Ireland and Spain set to reveal plans to formally recognise Palestinian state
Ireland and Spain are expected to announce plans to formally recognise a Palestinian state on Wednesday, according to multiple reports. The three Irish government leaders (premier Simon Harris, deputy premier Micheál Martin and minister Eamon Ryan) are due to hold a press conference on Wednesday morning. Spain’s prime minister, Pedro Sánchez, will also reveal a date for formal recognition on Wednesday, after announcing his intention last week to do so.
WHO, Japan sign $10m deal to support Gaza health response
The World Health Organization and the government of Japan have signed a $10m agreement to bolster the emergency health response in Gaza, according to a statement.
Republican bill aims to give Americans in Israeli military same benefits as US soldiers
Two Republican congressmen have introduced legislation that would provide the same employment and economic protections to Americans serving in the Israeli military as US citizens who get deployed to serve in the US military. The protections sought by the two lawmakers, Guy Reschenthaler and Max Miller, come in stark contrast to how other countries have been called upon to treat their citizens who have gone to serve in Israel’s military. Reschenthaler said in a statement:
Over 20k American citizens are currently defending Israel from Hamas terrorists, risking their lives for the betterment of our ally. This legislation will ensure we do everything possible to support these heroes who are standing with Israel, fighting for freedom, and combating terrorism in the Middle East.
Read more: Republican bill aims to give Americans in Israeli military same benefits as US soldiers.
Israeli attack in north Gaza killed and wounded dozens of Palestinians
An Israeli attack on the Zawaida area in central Gaza killed at least 10 people. Separately the Palestinian news agency, Wafa, reported that Israeli missiles struck two areas in Gaza City, killing at least eight Palestinians on Tuesday evening. In another attack Al Jazeera Arabic is reporting that an Israeli attack on a house in the Bir an-Naaja area in north Gaza has killed at least six people and wounded many more.
Morning recap
It’s day 229 of Israel’s war on Gaza. This is a recap of the last few hours to get you up to speed this morning:
- A major Israeli military operation in the Jenin camp in the occupied West Bank has killed eight Palestinians, with a doctor, a teacher and a ninth-grade student amongst the dead
- A Gaza ceasefire deal is still possible but an International Criminal Court arrest bid for Israeli leaders has set back diplomatic efforts, Blinken alleges
- The World Food Programme warns that “humanitarian operations in Gaza are near collapse” and if food and supplies don’t enter Gaza, “famine-like conditions will spread”
- Israel’s military repeatedly attacks besieged northern Gaza hospitals
- Israeli bomb kills 10, including unborn baby, in central Gaza
- Trump adviser calls for sanctions on ‘corrupt’ ICC officials over Israeli arrest warrants.
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