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Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Security Council to meet on Gaza hostages: Israeli ambassador
UNITED NATIONS, United States: The UN Security Council will hold an emergency session on the hostages in Gaza, Israel's ambassador said Sunday, as outrage built over their fate in the war-torn enclave, where experts say a famine is unfolding. Danny Danon, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, posted the announcement on social media amid anger over videos showing two of the hostages held by Palestinian militant group Hamas emaciated. Danon said that the Council 'will convene this coming Tuesday for a special emergency session on the dire situation of the hostages in Gaza.' The videos make references to the calamitous humanitarian conditions in Gaza, where UN-mandated experts have warned a 'famine is unfolding.' Israel has heavily restricted the entry of aid into Gaza, while UN agencies, humanitarian groups and analysts say that much of what Israel does allow in is looted or diverted in chaotic circumstances. Many desperate Palestinians are left to risk their lives seeking what aid is distributed through controlled channels. Earlier Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requested the help of the International Committee of the Red Cross to get food to the hostages. In response, Hamas's armed wing said that it would allow the agency access to the hostages but only if 'humanitarian corridors' for food and aid were opened 'across all areas of the Gaza Strip.' The Al-Qassam Brigades said it did 'not intentionally starve' the hostages, but they would not receive any special food privileges 'amid the crime of starvation and siege' in Gaza. Over recent days, Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad have released three videos showing two hostages seized during the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the ongoing war. The images of Rom Braslavski and Evyatar David, both of whom appeared weak and malnourished, have fueled renewed calls in Israel for a truce and hostage release deal.
Al Arabiya
8 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Iran announces formation of National Defense Council
Iran on Sunday announced the establishment of a new National Defense Council, tasked with centrally reviewing defense strategies and enhancing the country's military capabilities. The new body will 'review defense plans and enhance the capabilities of the armed forces in a centralized manner,' state media reported, citing the Secretariat of the Supreme National Security Council. The council will be chaired by President Masoud Pezeshkian and will bring together senior leadership from across Iran's government and military establishment. Its members will include the speaker of parliament, the head of the judiciary, top commanders from the armed forces, and select ministers from relevant ministries. The council's creation was approved by the Supreme National Security Council, Iran's top security body, under Article 176 of the country's constitution. Earlier on Sunday, Iranian army chief Amir Hatami said threats from Israel remain serious. 'A 1 percent threat must be perceived as a 100 percent threat. We should not underestimate the enemy and consider its threats as over,' Hatami said, according to the official IRNA news agency, adding that Iran's missile and drone power 'remains standing and ready for operations.' In June, Israel and the United States launched strikes on Iranian territory, including on nuclear facilities, during what has been dubbed the 12-day war. Tehran responded with waves of missiles and drone attacks against Israel. Last month, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that his country would strike Iran again if threatened.
Al Arabiya
9 hours ago
- Al Arabiya
Turkey condemns Jewish prayer on Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
Ankara on Sunday blasted an Israeli government minister for conducting a Jewish prayer on the Al-Aqsa compound in east Jerusalem. In a highly controversial move, Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir publicly conducted on Sunday a Jewish prayer at the mosque's compound, which is Islam's third-holiest site, and sits on the Temple Mount, Judaism's holiest place. 'We strongly condemn the raid carried out on the Al-Aqsa Mosque by certain Israeli ministers, under the protection of Israeli police and accompanied by groups of Israeli settlers,' the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement. 'The security of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the preservation of Jerusalem's sacred identity are not only regional priorities but also a primary responsibility on behalf of humanity's collective conscience,' it said. Jewish religious rituals are prohibited in the compound by a long-standing agreement between Israel and Jordan, custodian of the site. In recent years, the understanding, known as the 'status quo' has been repeatedly violated by Jewish visitors, including members of Israel's parliament.
