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New York Post
2 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Hamas rejects latest Gaza cease-fire proposal in Qatar, insists on IDF withdrawal from the Strip
Hamas rejected the latest 60-day Gaza cease-fire proposal with Israel Saturday, stalling talks in Qatar while the terror group continues to push to maintain a larger swath of the Gaza Strip. Talks in Doha this week have centered on a US-backed Qatari proposal that would bring a temporary halt to the nearly three years of bloodshed and a release of some of the remaining hostages. But the hangup has been the terror group's demands over the extent of Israeli forces' withdrawal from the enclave, sources said. Israel has already accepted the proposal, according to the Times of Israel. Advertisement 5 The sticking point in the talks is the extent of Israeli forces' withdrawal from the Gaza strip. AFP via Getty Images 'Hamas rejected the Qatari proposal, is creating obstacles, refuses to compromise and accompanies the talks with psychological warfare aimed at sabotaging the negotiations,' a senior official in Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office told reporters, according to the Jerusalem Post. 'Hamas remains steadfast in its refusal, holding positions that do not allow the mediators to advance an agreement.' Advertisement The stalled two-month truce calls for both sides to stop firing at each other to allow for roughly half the hostages to be released, and humanitarian aid to be brought in — while Israeli forces withdraw to a buffer zone in Gaza and negotiations for a permanent cease-fire take place. Earlier Saturday, a senior Palestinian official told the BBC the cease-fire negotiations were on the verge of collapse. 5 Israelis have been pushing for a hostage deal. AFP via Getty Images In the latest offer, first presented Wednesday, Tel Aviv agreed to ease some of Hamas' demands regarding the redeployment of its troops, following pressure from Washington. Advertisement But maps detailing the partial withdrawal of IDF troops from occupying Gaza was not enough to satisfy the terror group, sources said, adding, however, that the indirect talks are still expected to continue through the weekend. The rejected maps had Tel Aviv keeping control of roughly one-third of territory in Gaza, including a 1.86-mile buffer zone in Rafah to create a 'humanitarian city' for the population, where Gazans would be checked for weapons and be barred from leaving as Israel would encourage their emigration outside of the Strip, Times of Israel reported. 5 Smoke rises from an airstrike in northern Gaza. ATEF SAFADI/EPA/Shutterstock Hamas maintains that it wants to see no military presence in Gaza. The terror group had initially agreed to a buffer zone of less than 1 mile as a starting point for negotiations with Tel Aviv, but balked over expanded IDF control. Advertisement The current deal would also include the release of 10 Israeli hostages — half of the 20 believed to still be alive. Hamas would also return the bodies of 18 of the 30 hostages who have died in captivity. In exchange, Israel would also release an agreed-upon number of Palestinian prisoners. 5 Israelis protested in Tel Aviv, as they do every Saturday to demand the release of all hostage and an end to the war. AFP via Getty Images Israel is expected to present new IDF withdrawal maps on Monday, Israeli TV reported, specifically focusing on redeployment along the Morag Corridor and perimeter around Gaza. Meanwhile, calls to bring the war to a close reverberated in rallies across several Israel cities Saturday, including Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. A new poll aired on Israeli TV found that 74% of Irespondents back an agreement with Hamas that would release all of the remaining hostages in exchange for ending the war. Just 8%, however, supported the Qatari deal that's currently on the table, which only sees half the Israeli hostages released. 5 Ceasefire talks to end the near two-year war are stalling. AFP via Getty Images Since last Sunday, Israeli and Hamas delegations have attended eight rounds of talks — the parties operate out of separate buildings — while stationed in Doha, according to the BBC. 'Missing the current momentum would be a serious failure,' the Hostages and Missing Families Forum in Tel Aviv said in a statement expressing concern over the fragile state of negotiations. Advertisement 'Every day the war continues is an achievement for Hamas and a serious risk for our hostages and soldiers.'
New York Post
18-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Iran has launched 400 ballistic missiles at Israel — but only 20 hit urban targets as stockpile quickly dwindles
PROTARAS, Cyprus — Iran is rapidly burning through its ballistic missiles after having launched more than 400 since the start of the conflict on Friday, just 20 of which hit urban areas, per data shared with The Post by Israeli military officials. Prior to the start of Operation Rising Lion, Israeli officials estimated Tehran had roughly 2,000 missiles — meaning it has launched nearly a quarter of its stockpile in just six days. The strike rate of 400 fired to just 20 urban hits is largely due to the efficacy of Israel's Iron Dome system, which is made up of multiple types of air-defense systems that work in conjunction to eliminate missiles often before they reach Israeli airspace. 5 Residential homes were damaged following a missile attack from Iran on Israel, in Tel Aviv, Israel, on June 16, 2025. REUTERS Iran's drones have an even worse strike rate, with none of the 1,000 launched having impacted Israel, according to the latest data from Israeli military officials. In fact, just 200 of the 1,000 drones even entered Israeli airspace at all. 'All were either intercepted by the Israeli Air Force and Navy, or fell short before reaching Israel,' an Israeli military official said. Still, 26 people have been killed and more than 500 have been wounded in the Iranians' strikes, according to the Israel Defense Forces. However, an Israeli military official told The Post that the total casualties 'are far below what the IDF anticipated when it planned the operation against Iran.' Iran's barrages have shrunk dramatically as the war rages on, according to a report by the Jewish Institute for National Security of America. 5 An explosion erupts from a missile fired from Iran in Tel Aviv, Israel, 16 June 2025. ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock 5 Rescuers evacuate an injured woman from an impacted residential building following a missile attack from Iran on Israel. REUTERS While Tehran came out of the gate on June 14 by firing 200 missiles, it launched less than half as many the next day with 75 launches, according to the report. That was followed by just 30 on June 15 and 65 on June 16. 'Iran's missile stockpile could be reduced to less than 500 ballistic missiles as soon as June 23,' the report said. 'Iran likely only has the ability to launch two to six more large barrages before it needs to preserve its launchers and stockpile.' Contributing to the dwindling number of launchers is Israel's consistent strikes on missile launchers. Since June 12, the IDF has eliminated roughly 40% of Iran's estimated 360 total launchers. 5 Israeli special forces check the apparent remains of a ballistic missile before it is evacuated from the location where it was found lying in northern Israel, following missile attacks by Iran on Israel. REUTERS 5 Prior to the start of Operation Rising Lion, Israeli officials estimated Tehran had roughly 2,000 missiles — meaning it has launched nearly a quarter of its stockpile in just six days. AFP via Getty Images 'The longer the exchange of fire continues, the greater the likelihood that Iran will be unwilling or unable to mount large ballistic missile barrages as it loses its launchers, missile stockpile, and potentially seeks to preserve capabilities for the future,' the report noted. Israel's proven capability to target Iran's missile launchers may be another reason why Iran has dramatically reduced the number of missiles launched each day, according to the report, as every missile fired gives up a launcher's location. 'Iran faces a dilemma because each missile launch gives away the location of a missile launcher,' the report also stated. 'Even if Iran is using mobile launch platforms, persistent Israeli surveillance and attack aircraft presence would allow it to identify, track, and target the launchers.'
New York Post
16-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Iran's latest strikes on Tel Aviv, Haifa kill at least five
Iranian missiles struck Israel's Tel Aviv and the port city of Haifa before dawn on Monday, destroying homes and fuelling concerns among world leaders at this week's G7 meeting that the battle between the two old enemies could lead to a broader regional conflict. At least five people were killed in the latest Iranian strikes, the national emergency service said, bringing Israel's death toll to at least 18 since Friday. At least 100 more were wounded in the overnight strikes, part of a wave of attacks by Tehran in retaliation for Israel's pre-emptive strikes targeting Iran's nuclear and ballistic missile programs. Advertisement 6 Israeli air defense systems are activated to intercept Iranian missiles over the Israeli city of Tel Aviv amid a fresh barrage of Iranian rockets on June 16, 2025. AFP via Getty Images Search and location operations were underway in Haifa where around 30 people were wounded, emergency authorities said, as dozens of first responders rushed to the strike zones. Fires were seen burning at a power plant near the port, media reported. Advertisement Video footage showed several missiles over Tel Aviv and explosions could be heard there and over Jerusalem. Several residential buildings in a densely populated neighbourhood of Tel Aviv were destroyed in a strike that blew out the windows of hotels and other nearby homes just a few hundred meters from the US Embassy branch in the city. The US ambassador said the building sustained minor damage, but there were no injuries to personnel. Guydo Tetelbaun was in his apartment in Tel Aviv when the alerts came in shortly after 4 a.m. Advertisement 6 An explosion erupts from a missile fired from Iran in Tel Aviv, Israel, 16 June 2025. ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock 'As usual, we went into the (shelter) that's right across the street there. And within minutes, the door of the (shelter) blew in,' the 31-year-old chef said. 'A couple of people came in bloody, all cut up. And then when we came to the apartment, after it quietened down, we saw there wasn't much of it… Walls are caved in, no more glass,' he added. 'It's terrifying because it's so unknown. This could be the beginning of a long time like this, or it could get worse, or hopefully better, but it's the unknown that's the scariest.' Advertisement The predawn missiles struck near Shuk HaCarmel, a popular market in Tel Aviv that typically draws large crowds of residents and tourists buying fresh fruits and vegetables, and to popular bars and restaurants. A residential street in nearby Petah Tikva and a school in ultra-Orthodox Jewish city Bnei Brak were also hit. 6 People evacuate after a missile launched from Iran struck Tel Aviv, Israel, Monday June 16, 2025. AP 'NEW METHOD' Iran's Revolutionary Guards said the latest attack employed a new method that caused Israel's multi-layered defence systems to target each other. 'The initiatives and capabilities used in this operation, despite the comprehensive support of the United States and Western powers and the possession of the most up-to-date and newest defence technology, led to the successful and maximum hitting of the missiles on the targets in the occupied territories,' it said. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the strikes. Israeli officials have repeatedly said its 'Iron Dome' defence system is not 100% and warned of tough days ahead. The death toll in Iran had reached at least 224, with 90% of the casualties reported to be civilians, an Iranian health ministry spokesperson said. Israel's military said on Monday morning it had struck again at command centres belonging to the Revolutionary Guard and Iran's military. LEADERS MEET Advertisement Group of Seven leaders began gathering in the Canadian Rockies on Sunday with the Israel-Iran conflict expected to be a top priority. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his goals for the summit include for Iran to not develop or possess nuclear weapons, ensuring Israel's right to defend itself, avoiding escalation of the conflict and creating room for diplomacy. 'This issue will be very high on the agenda of the G7 summit,' Merz told reporters. 6 The Iron Dome, the Israeli air defense system, intercepts missiles fired from Iran, over Tel Aviv, Israel, 16 June 2025. ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Advertisement Before leaving for the summit on Sunday, US President Donald Trump was asked what he was doing to de-escalate the situation. 'I hope there's going to be a deal. I think it's time for a deal,' he told reporters. 'Sometimes they have to fight it out.' Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian told parliament on Monday that the country has no intention to produce nuclear weapons but it would continue to pursue its right to nuclear energy and research. Brent crude futures were up $0.70, or 1%, to $74.94 a barrel in Asian trade on Monday having jumped as much as $4 earlier in the session. While the spike in oil prices has investors on edge, stock and currency markets were little moved in Asia. 'It's more of an oil story than an equity story at this point,' said Jim Carroll, senior wealth adviser and portfolio manager at Ballast Rock Private Wealth. 'Stocks right now seem to be hanging on.' Advertisement 6 Responders are seen next to a damaged building following a strike by an Iranian missile in the Israeli city of Petah Tikva, east of Tel Aviv, on June 16, 2025. AFP via Getty Images TRUMP VETOES PLAN TO TARGET KHAMENEI, OFFICIALS SAY In Washington, two US officials told Reuters that Trump had vetoed an Israeli plan in recent days to kill Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. When asked about the Reuters report, Netanyahu told Fox News on Sunday: 'There's so many false reports of conversations that never happened, and I'm not going to get into that.' 'We do what we need to do,' he told Fox's 'Special Report With Bret Baier.' Advertisement Israel began the assault with a surprise attack on Friday that wiped out the top echelon of Iran's military command and damaged its nuclear sites, and says the campaign will escalate in the coming days. 6 Smoke billows from a site in the city of Haifa on June 16, 2025, following a fresh barrage of Iranian missiles. AFP via Getty Images Iran has vowed to 'open the gates of hell' in retaliation. TRUMP WARNS IRAN NOT TO ATTACK US TARGETS Trump has lauded Israel's offensive while denying Iranian allegations that the US has taken part and warning Tehran not to widen its retaliation to include US targets. Two US officials said on Friday the US military had helped shoot down Iranian missiles that were headed toward Israel. The US president has repeatedly said Iran could end the war by agreeing to tough restrictions on its nuclear program, which Iran says is for peaceful purposes but which Western countries and the IAEA nuclear watchdog say could be used to make an atomic bomb. The latest round of nuclear negotiations between Iran and the US, due last Sunday, was scrapped after Tehran said it would not negotiate while under Israeli attack.
New York Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Trump warns America ‘could get involved' directly in Israel-Iran conflict
President Trump warned Sunday that the US could get directly involved in the Israel-Iran conflict if things continue to escalate. While Trump predicted that Iran and Israel will 'make a deal' to end the deadly violence that has seen the Jewish state and Islamic republic exchange countless missiles since Friday, the president said the US may find itself involved if a truce doesn't happen. 'We're not involved in it. It's possible we could get involved. But we are not at this moment involved,' Trump told ABC News. 3 President Trump said Sunday that the US could get directly involved in the war between Israel and Iran. via REUTERS Advertisement 3 Iran continues to launch waves of retaliatory attacks on Tel Aviv after Israel's preemptive attack on it Friday. ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Trump suggested that his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, could serve as a mediator between Israel and Iran, both of which the Kremlin has maintained relations. 'He is ready. He called me about it. We had a long talk about it. We talked about this more than his situation,' Trump said, referring to Putin's ongoing war in Ukraine. 'This is something I believe is going to get resolved.' Advertisement Despite Trump's denial that the US is already involved in the Mideast conflict, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told reporters in Tehran on Sunday that it is clear Israel has been coordinating its attacks with the 'agreement and support of the United States. 'We have received messages from the US through various channels over the past two days stating that the US had no involvement and will have no involvement in this attack,' he said. 'As I said, we don't believe the US's claim.' 3 Smoke billows over Tehran during a wave of Israeli airstrikes Sunday. AFP via Getty Images Advertisement As the attacks between Israel and Iran escalate, the US State Department said it has authorized the 'voluntary departure of family members and some non-emergency U.S. government employees' from Israel. 'US citizens who wish to depart should not delay in taking advantage of commercial transportation options,' the State Department said in a memo, adding that the embassy's shelter-in-place order remains in effect until further notice. With Post wires
New York Post
15-06-2025
- Politics
- New York Post
Yemen's Houthis target Israel with ballistic missiles in coordination with Iran
Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said on Sunday that they targeted Israel in coordination with Iran, the first time an Iran-aligned group has publicly announced joint cooperation on attacks with Tehran. The Yemeni group targeted central Israel's Jaffa with several ballistic missiles in the last 24 hours, military spokesperson Yehya Sarea said in a televised address. 'Triumphing for the oppressed Palestinian and Iranian peoples…This operation was coordinated with the operations carried out by the Iranian army against the criminal Israeli enemy,' he added. 3 A view of a residential building struck by an Iranian ballistic missile in Bat Yam, near Tel Aviv, Israel on June 15, 2025. ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock The Israeli military earlier said sirens were activated in several areas in the country following missile launches from Iran and Yemen. Israel and Iran continued to exchange missile attacks since Israel launched its biggest-ever military strike against its longstanding enemy on Friday. On the same day Israel launched its attack on Iran, Israel said a missile that was launched from Yemen towards Israel fell in Hebron in the occupied West Bank. The Yemeni group however did not claim responsibility for the missile launch. The Houthis have been launching attacks against Israel, most of which have been intercepted, in what they say is support for Palestinians in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas war there since Hamas's October 7 2023 attack on Israel. 3 Israeli air defense system fires to intercept missiles over Tel Aviv, Israel, early on June 15, 2025. AP 3 Emergency and rescue soldiers search for trapped people around heavily damaged buildings after an overnight missile strike from Iran on June 15, 2025 in Bat Yam Israel. Getty Images Israel has carried out a series of retaliatory strikes. The US also launched intensified strikes against the Houthis this year, before President Donald Trump halted the offensive after the Houthis agreed to stop attacks on American ships.
