
Hamas-led factions reject Arab League-backed call to disarm, vow to continue resistance
A declaration issued on Tuesday by Saudi Arabia and France, backed by Egypt, Qatar and the Arab League, called for Hamas to disarm and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, which they say should rule across all Palestinian territories.
Saudi Arabia and France are seeking further global support for the declaration outlining steps towards implementing a two-state solution. --REUTERS

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The Sun
2 hours ago
- The Sun
Gaza civil defence reports 26 killed in Israeli attacks
GAZA CITY: Gaza's civil defence agency reported that 26 people were killed by Israeli gunfire and air strikes on Tuesday, including 14 waiting near an aid distribution site. Civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that eight died from Israeli gunfire near Khan Yunis, while six more were killed and 21 injured in central Gaza while awaiting food aid. The Israeli army stated it is investigating the incidents. Media restrictions in Gaza make independent verification difficult. Thousands gather daily at aid points, including those run by the US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, where chaotic scenes and reports of shootings are frequent. Bassal confirmed five deaths from an air strike on a tent in Al-Mawasi, a supposed safe zone. 'They say it's safe, but people die while obtaining aid,' said Adham Younes, who lost a relative. Mahmud Younes, another witness, described finding injured women covered in blood. Six more were killed near Gaza City, and one near Khan Yunis. Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, claimed striking an Israeli command centre in the Morag Axis. - AFP


The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Israel to partially reopen Gaza private goods trade amid aid crisis
JERUSALEM: Israel will partially reopen private sector trade with Gaza to reduce dependence on humanitarian aid, the defence ministry's civil affairs agency COGAT announced on Tuesday. The move follows months of blockade and conflict with Hamas, which has left Gaza in dire need of basic supplies. 'As part of formulating the mechanism, a limited number of local merchants were approved by the defence establishment, subject to several criteria and strict security screening,' COGAT said. Israel imposed a total blockade on Gaza in March but partially lifted restrictions in May to allow a US-backed private agency to distribute food. Despite resumed aid convoys and airdrops by Arab and European nations, UN experts warn famine is spreading in the war-torn enclave. The new trade mechanism will permit food staples, fruit, vegetables, baby formula, and hygiene products. Deliveries will undergo military inspections to prevent Hamas involvement, with payments made via monitored bank transfers. COGAT reported over 300 aid trucks entered Gaza on Monday, more than recent days, though Hamas disputed the figures, claiming only 95 trucks arrived, many looted amid alleged Israeli-instigated chaos. The UN estimates 500-600 daily truckloads are needed to sustain Gaza's population. - AFP


The Sun
5 hours ago
- The Sun
Israel considers full Gaza takeover as ceasefire talks collapse
JERUSALEM/CAIRO: Israel's cabinet is reportedly considering a full military takeover of Gaza, reversing its 2005 withdrawal, as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas collapse. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu favours expanding the offensive to seize the entire enclave, according to Israeli Channel 12. A senior Israeli source confirmed that increased military action is being weighed after indirect talks with Hamas failed. The move would mark a dramatic shift from Israel's 2005 disengagement, which right-wing factions blame for Hamas's rise to power. The potential full-scale occupation raises questions over whether Israel intends a prolonged presence or a short-term operation to dismantle Hamas and recover hostages. The current coalition government, among Israel's most right-wing, includes parties advocating annexation of Gaza and the West Bank. However, the military has resisted long-term governance plans, citing manpower strains from prolonged mobilisation. The war, triggered by Hamas's October 2023 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis, has devastated Gaza, with Palestinian authorities reporting over 60,000 dead and widespread famine. International pressure for a ceasefire is mounting, with several European nations threatening to recognise Palestinian statehood next month if hostilities continue. Inside Gaza, Israeli strikes killed at least 13 Palestinians on Tuesday, including aid seekers near Rafah. Israeli tanks advanced into central Gaza, though it remains unclear if this signals a broader offensive. Palestinians in remaining unoccupied areas fear further displacement. 'Where would we go, into the sea? This is a death sentence,' said Abu Jehad, a Gaza resident. A Palestinian official close to negotiations suggested Israel's threats aim to pressure Hamas, but the group insists on a full withdrawal. Meanwhile, limited aid, including chocolates and biscuits, entered Gaza, with hopes for more essential supplies. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is reportedly working on an end-war plan, but Israeli officials also discuss annexation. Earlier ceasefire talks in Doha, proposing a 60-day truce and hostage exchange, collapsed. The military is expected to propose expanding operations into unentered Gaza zones. - Reuters