'No alternative' to two-state solution for Israel, Palestinians: French FM
"Only a political, two-state solution will help respond to the legitimate aspirations of Israelis and Palestinians to live in peace and security. There is no alternative," he said.
AFP
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
LBCI
2 hours ago
- LBCI
As fuel tax stalls, Lebanon hunts for new ways to pay military and security personnel
Report by Yazbek Wehbe, English adaptation by Akram Chehayeb Before August 15, and possibly within a few days, Lebanon's Ministry of Finance will pay the approved grant for July to both active and retired military and security personnel, once it receives the payroll lists from the army command and security institutions. This grant, which amounts to approximately $30 million per month, was funded through the fuel tax approved by the government before the State Shura Council suspended its implementation a month after its approval. An active-duty soldier will receive 14 million Lebanese lira, while a retiree will receive 12 million. The number of active military personnel stands at 120,000, with retirees totaling around 82,000. The State Shura Council's decision canceled the tax, but the increase was not canceled. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance is facing a challenge in terms of securing alternative sources of funding to continue paying, and here lies the issue. The Ministry of Finance has pledged not to spend a single lira without guaranteed revenue. The ministry is committed to following the International Monetary Fund's advice, fearing that any wrong decision could jeopardize the signing of an agreement with the IMF. But what funding sources are available? Some propose increasing a specific tax on gasoline only, excluding diesel, especially since gasoline is not used by everyone. This tax hike does not require approval from parliament, but some MPs might oppose the measure. Alternative solutions include improving tax collection, encouraging tax compliance, and boosting revenue from customs and coastal property, which could provide alternative funding sources. The most important thing is to move away from relying on consumption taxes and instead adopt permanent and sustainable financing plans.
LBCI
2 hours ago
- LBCI
Israel's military and political divide deepens over Gaza: The details
Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Akram Chehayeb Two options have deepened the divide between Israel's military and political leaders: whether to occupy Gaza or maintain its encirclement. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who did not share his opinion during the cabinet meeting discussing the issue, decided to postpone the decision until next week. Army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir opposed the occupation of Gaza and advocated encircling the territory instead. He has not ruled out resigning if Netanyahu rejects this approach. The political leadership, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, rejected Zamir's approach and insisted on occupying Gaza, ignoring warnings and consequences of such a decision. Along with Itamar Ben-Gvir, Smotrich has threatened to resign. Between the two options, the hostages' dilemma has now reached a deadlock. On the ground, 'Operation Gideon's Chariots' ended in Gaza after achieving its objectives, according to an army report. The army announced the withdrawal of most units from the Strip pending the political leadership's decision, while warnings grow about the risks of occupying Gaza for the remaining hostages. These differences, along with the fate of the hostages, were discussed with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who was urged to put pressure on both Israel and Hamas. In contrast, the U.S. presidential envoy ended his talks in Israel without progress on a deal. He will return to Washington to discuss ways to achieve a common goal that includes exchanging prisoners and ending the war.
LBCI
2 hours ago
- LBCI
Hamas says it won't disarm unless independent Palestinian state established
Hamas said on Saturday that it would not lay down arms unless an independent Palestinian state is established. In a statement, the Palestinian militant faction said its "armed resistance ... cannot be relinquished except through the full restoration of our national rights, foremost among them the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital." Indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel aimed at securing a 60-day ceasefire in the Gaza war and a deal for the release of hostages ended last week in deadlock. Reuters
