Latest news with #Qatari
Roya News
an hour ago
- Politics
- Roya News
Hamas insists on UN-led Gaza aid delivery in ceasefire talks: Hebrew media
Hamas is demanding that humanitarian aid to Gaza be delivered under United Nations supervision, without the involvement of the US-linked 'Gaza Humanitarian Foundation,' and that the buffer zone be smaller than what 'Israel' has proposed, according to 'Israeli' media reports. Channel 12 quoted an unnamed 'Israeli' source familiar with the Doha negotiations as saying that Tuesday night's meeting between Qatari and Egyptian mediators and Hamas representatives ended without results. The source claimed mediators rejected Hamas's response, deeming it unsatisfactory, and asked the group to provide an improved reply by Wednesday. Hamas and the mediators have not issued public comments. According to the same source, Hamas also requested: UN-managed humanitarian aid entry with no role for the U.S.-affiliated foundation A reduced buffer zone size The release of more Palestinian detainees per 'Israeli' captive Clearer guarantees for ending the war And the return of displaced Gazans via the Rafah crossing Indirect negotiations between Hamas and 'Israel' have been ongoing in Doha since July 6, mediated by Qatar and Egypt with US support. On Saturday, a Palestinian source stated that Hamas had received new maps from the mediators showing 'Israeli' control zones in Gaza, which it is currently reviewing. On Monday, Hamas announced it was continuing consultations with Palestinian factions to reach an 'honorable agreement' that would halt the aggression, support reconstruction, lift the siege, and ensure a dignified life for Gazans. These talks follow more than 21 months of intermittent negotiations, during which two partial agreements were reached: one in November 2023, and another in January 2025. Netanyahu, under international arrest warrants, resumed the war on March 18 after halting the implementation of the latest agreement. Hamas has consistently stated its readiness to release all 'Israeli' captives in exchange for a total ceasefire and the full withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces from Gaza. The 'Israeli' opposition accuses Netanyahu of deliberately avoiding a comprehensive deal to prolong the war for political gain and to placate far-right members of his coalition.
Roya News
an hour ago
- Politics
- Roya News
Hamas submits response to ceasefire proposal
Two Palestinian sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations confirmed Wednesday that Hamas has submitted its official response to mediators regarding the proposed ceasefire in Gaza. The response includes key amendments, most notably a demand for guarantees of a permanent ceasefire with 'Israel'. One of the sources told AFP that Hamas and other resistance factions delivered their reply to the mediators, which includes 'amendments aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire.' According to the source, Hamas's response primarily addresses the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, maps outlining the withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces, and guarantees for a complete end to the war. A second Palestinian official familiar with the talks described Hamas's response as 'positive,' affirming the contents shared by the first source. The group also reportedly requested changes to the proposed withdrawal maps, insisting that 'Israeli' forces retreat from residential areas and Salah al-Din Road - a vital north-south artery - while allowing troops to remain no deeper than 800 meters within Gaza's eastern and northern borders. Additionally, Hamas called for an increase in the number of Palestinian prisoners with life or long-term sentences to be released in exchange for each living 'Israeli' soldier. The official noted that negotiations will continue until a final agreement is reached. For the third consecutive week, indirect talks between Hamas and 'Israel' are ongoing in Doha, with Qatari, US, and Egyptian mediation. The current proposal under discussion includes a 60-day truce during which captives held in Gaza would be released in stages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees. Hamas has consistently insisted that any agreement must include guarantees for a permanent end to the war - a demand that Tel Aviv has so far rejected, maintaining that a full ceasefire is contingent on the dismantling of Hamas's military infrastructure.
Jordan News
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Jordan News
Bazeshkian: 'Israel Tried to Assassinate Me, and This Is What Trump Wants from Iran' - Jordan News
Iranian President Masoud Bazeshkian declared in an interview with Al Jazeera, 'We are prepared for any Israeli military action, and our forces are ready to strike deep inside Israel once again.' اضافة اعلان Bazeshkian stated that Israel had delivered strong blows to Iran, but Tehran also struck deep into Israeli territory—strikes he said Israel hides and refuses to publicly acknowledge, adding, 'Their request for a ceasefire says a lot.' He dismissed claims that Iran's nuclear program has ended as nothing more than an illusion. 'We do not seek war, nor do we assume the ceasefire is permanent, but we will defend ourselves with full force,' Bazeshkian said. He accused Israel of attempting to destabilize, dismantle, and eliminate Iran through chaos and attacks on the regime, but said those efforts had failed. He acknowledged that Iran has experienced breaches, but stressed that technology and the use of American capabilities are the determining factors. Bazeshkian reiterated, 'Iran has not and will not surrender, and this is clear to everyone. But we believe in diplomacy and dialogue.' He added, 'Any future negotiations must follow a win-win logic.' The Iranian president pointed out that regional countries had never shown such unified support for Iran as they did during the most recent war. He firmly stated, 'We completely reject the possession of nuclear weapons—this is our political, religious, humanitarian, and strategic stance.' He also remarked, 'Trump says Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons—we accept that as well.' However, Bazeshkian emphasized that uranium enrichment on Iranian soil would continue in accordance with international law, saying, 'Claims that our nuclear program has ended are delusional. Our nuclear capability lies in the minds of our scientists—not just in facilities.' He also affirmed, 'We are fully prepared to establish a joint collective security concept with our Arab neighbors and other countries in the region.' On Qatar, Bazeshkian clarified, 'We have never attacked Qatar, nor can we. Qatar is our sister, and its people are our brothers—we support them fully.' He stressed that Iran's strikes were aimed at a U.S. base that had bombed Iran, not at Qatar or its citizens. 'I understand the feelings and position of the Qatari people regarding what happened,' Bazeshkian said, noting he had spoken by phone with the Emir of Qatar, adding, 'All our intentions toward Qatar are positive, fraternal, and we are ready to help in any way they need.' Regarding an assassination attempt, Bazeshkian revealed, 'The incident was part of Israel's efforts to assassinate political leaders after targeting military ones.'
L'Orient-Le Jour
2 hours ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Hamas urges protests to 'break Israeli siege' in Gaza; tense sit-in outside Egyptian Embassy in Beirut
Israeli government says there is 'no Israeli-caused famine' in Gaza The Israeli government said it is not responsible for the chronic food shortages in the Gaza Strip and accused Hamas of deliberately creating a crisis. "In Gaza today, there is no famine caused by Israel," government spokesperson David Mencer said, quoted by AFP, after more than 100 NGOs warned of widespread famine and urged Israel to release humanitarian aid. "This is a shortage caused by Hamas," Mencer added, accusing the movement of preventing food distribution and plundering aid for its own needs. Israeli source calls Hamas's response to latest deal proposal 'disappointing' An Israeli source involved in negotiations for a new cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas told Haaretz that the Palestinian movement had given a "disappointing" response to the mediators' latest proposal. The official response to the Israeli government has reportedly been delayed, as the mediators are currently trying to pressure Hamas to show "more flexibility." Israel said in recent days that the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, would only travel to the region if concrete progress is made in bridging the differences between the parties. A meeting is scheduled for Thursday in Rome between the U.S. diplomat, Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Demer, and Qatari mediators to try to move forward the talks, which have been stalled since the beginning of the month. Ukraine and Israel launch joint dialogue to counter Iran Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga and Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa'ar announced the start of a new 'dialogue' between their countries to address 'the Iranian threat,' AFP reported. Sybiga said Iran and Russia pose an 'existential threat' not only to their nations but to global security. He described Moscow, Tehran, and North Korea — which has deployed forces alongside Russia in Ukraine — as an 'alliance of malicious regimes.' 'In response, we've agreed to boost cooperation and open a separate dialogue focused on the Iranian threat,' Sybiga added. 16:21 Beirut Time Gaza health ministry reports over 100 killed in past 24 hours Gaza's health ministry said 113 Palestinians were killed and 534 wounded in the past 24 hours in ongoing Israeli attacks. The ministry's Telegram statement said 34 people died during aid distributions, and 13 bodies were pulled from rubble — likely from earlier strikes. 'Victims under the rubble and on the roads remain numerous,' it added. Since the Israeli offensive began in October 2023, the official death toll has reached 59,129, with 143,045 injured. At least 8,363 have died since Israel broke the cease-fire on March 18, 2025. U.N. Special Coordinator visits Israel ahead of UNIFIL mandate renewal Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, the U.N. Special Coordinator for Lebanon, has begun a visit to Israel to meet senior officials ahead of the upcoming renewal of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate. Her visit is part of ongoing consultations on implementing U.N. Security Council resolution 1701 (2006) and the November 2024 cease-fire agreement. 'In a time of regional tension, the Special Coordinator urges all parties to fully honor their commitments and accelerate the implementation of resolution 1701, which remains key to lasting security along the Blue Line,' her office said. 15:01 Beirut Time HRW says Houthi attacks on ships are war crimes Human Rights Watch condemned recent Houthi rebel attacks on two commercial ships in Yemen, calling them 'violations of the laws of war.' In a statement, HRW said it found 'no evidence the ships were military targets,' adding that the attacks amount to war crimes. 14:36 Beirut Time Israeli army calls Gaza church strike an 'accident' The Israeli army said its strike on the Catholic Church of the Holy Family in Gaza City on July 17, which killed three people and wounded nine, was accidental. In a statement on X, the military said the church was hit due to 'an unintentional diversion of ammunition,' causing damage and civilian injuries. It did not mention the number of casualties but said it has since adjusted firing procedures and clarified guidelines for operations near religious and sensitive sites. Just two days before, the army blamed a 'technical error' for a strike near a watering hole in the Nuseirat refugee camp that killed 10 Palestinians, including six children. 14:35 Beirut Time Ex-GHF security officer reports abuse at Gaza aid centers A former U.S. security officer for the U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) told Israel's Channel 12 that the aid centers 'treat the population very badly and put them at risk.' In the interview, aired Tuesday, he said the GHF system 'cannot be fixed, it must be stopped,' arguing the U.N. could manage aid more effectively if given similar resources. He described incidents where American security guards tear-gassed a Palestinian collecting food and threw a stun grenade at a woman, causing her to collapse. 'As Palestinians finished collecting aid, the guards started shooting at their feet to force them out,' he said, adding he had 'never seen such use of force against unarmed civilians.' 13:47 Beirut Time Israeli attacks kill two Palestinian journalists in Gaza Israeli strikes in Gaza killed two Palestinian journalists, Tamer al-Zaanine and Walaa al-Jabari, the enclave's government media office said. Their deaths bring the number of media workers killed since October 2023 to 231. Zaanine was a photojournalist for several outlets, while Jabari worked as an editor. The media office condemned what it called the 'systematic targeting and killing' of Palestinian journalists by Israel. 13:46 Beirut Time Ten more die of starvation in Gaza in past 24 hours Ten people died from starvation or malnutrition in Gaza over the past 24 hours, hospitals in the enclave reported, according to a Health Ministry statement on Telegram. This brings the total number of starvation-related deaths since the start of the war to 111, the ministry said. 13:45 Beirut Time Lebanese Army, UNIFIL remove Israeli-built wall in southern Lebanon, near Aitaroun The Lebanese Army and U.N. Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) peacekeepers dismantled a low earth wall erected two days ago by the Israeli army on the outskirts of Aitaroun, in southern Lebanon's Bint Jbeil district, our regional correspondent reported. 13:43 Beirut Time Beirut protests denounce Gaza blockade Two demonstrations were held in Beirut this morning against Israel's blockade of Gaza, where international organizations warn of a looming mass famine. One sit-in took place outside the U.N. Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) headquarters in downtown Beirut. Another was staged outside the Egyptian Embassy in Bir Hassan, in the capital's southern suburb, where protesters tried to enter the building, sparking clashes with Lebanese soldiers. Demonstrators called on Egypt, which controls Gaza's southern border, to help break the blockade and allow food aid into the enclave. 13:41 Beirut Time Hamas urges global protests against Gaza blockade Hamas has called on 'all free peoples of the world' to hold demonstrations, sit-ins and 'marches of rage' on July 25, 26 and 27 — and beyond — until the Israeli siege is lifted and famine in Gaza ends. "People are dying of hunger and malnutrition, and famine is making its deadly presence felt on the faces of children, mothers and the elderly, amid a suspicious global silence and in the absence of any action commensurate with the catastrophe," the Palestinian movement added. "May the coming days be a resounding cry in the face of the occupation and a shame for those who remain silent. 13:39 Beirut Time Iran says it's ready to retaliate if Israel attacks again Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian warned that his country is 'fully prepared for any new Israeli military offensive,' in an interview with Al Jazeera. 'Our armed forces are ready to retaliate and strike deep inside Israel,' he said, adding that Tehran does not trust the current cease-fire and is preparing for 'all possible scenarios.' Pezeshkian accused Israel of trying — and failing — to destabilize and dismantle Iran, saying both sides have inflicted heavy blows, though Israel 'conceals its losses.' Death toll from Israeli attacks in Gaza climbs to 21 At least 21 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and shootings across Gaza on Wednesday, local medical sources told al-Jazeera. In Rafah, two people were shot dead near a GHF aid distribution center, while 40 others were wounded when Israeli forces opened fire at the site. Another strike hit Gaza City's al-Tuffah neighborhood, killing one person, while seven others were killed earlier in nearby Tal al-Hawa. Additional airstrikes targeted the Nousseirat refugee camp, killing at least one person, and Bani Souheila, east of Khan Younis, where the toll is still unclear. Al-Aqsa Hospital also reported finding the bodies of two Palestinians in Deir al-Balah, killed in an earlier attack. At least 15 die of starvation in Gaza over two days Hospitals in Gaza reported at least 15 deaths — including four children — due to starvation or malnutrition between Monday and Tuesday, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said. Since the war began in October 2023, the total number of starvation-related deaths has reached 101, including 80 children, the statement added. 10:36 Beirut Time Israeli strikes kill at least 7 in Gaza City; more than 1,000 Palestinians killed near GHF aid centers, according to U.N. - At least seven Palestinians were killed at dawn Wednesday in an Israeli airstrike on a home in Gaza City's Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, al-Jazeera reported. Several others were injured, rescue workers said. The strike came just hours after another attack in the same area killed 15 people Tuesday evening, including six children. Israeli operations were also reported in the al-Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. - Meanwhile, the U.N. Human Rights Office said more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed since May while trying to collect food from GHF aid centers run by the U.S. and Israel. NGOs warn of 'mass starvation' in Gaza More than 100 humanitarian groups warned Wednesday that 'mass starvation' is spreading in Gaza. A hospital in the enclave said 21 children died from malnutrition or starvation within just 72 hours, after more than 21 months of Israeli bombardment. In a joint statement, organizations including Médecins Sans Frontières, Médecins du Monde, Caritas, Amnesty International and Oxfam urged an immediate cease-fire, the opening of all land crossings and unrestricted humanitarian aid. 10:32 Beirut Time Israeli far-right pushes 'Gaza Riviera' plan Far-right Israeli leaders met publicly at parliament in Jerusalem to discuss a plan to turn Gaza into a 'Riviera,' even as the enclave faces famine. The meeting, titled 'The Gaza Riviera: from vision to reality,' was led by some of the most hardline figures in Israel's government. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and activist Daniella Weiss, a vocal supporter of Jewish settlements in Gaza, were among the participants. 10:31 Beirut Time Rome meeting to push Gaza cease-fire talks The White House's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, will meet Israel's Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and a senior Qatari official in Rome on Thursday, Axios reported. The talks aim to revive stalled negotiations on a Gaza cease-fire and the release of hostages, which began earlier this month in Doha. U.S. officials told AFP that Witkoff's trip to Europe will also focus on finalizing plans for a humanitarian aid corridor into Gaza. 10:29 Beirut Time New Israeli incursion into southern Lebanon last night Overnight, an Israeli infantry unit crossed into southern Lebanon's Mari region in Hasbaya, our regional correspondent reported. Around 20 Israeli soldiers searched homes — both occupied and abandoned — questioning Lebanese residents and Syrian workers. They briefly detained a Syrian worker but released him near the border shortly afterward. Salman Abou al-Ala, the head of Mari's municipality, said the incursion happened in an area called Rihanet Berri, a small area near the village with about 20 houses mostly inhabited by Syrian agricultural workers. He added that the situation has since returned to calm. 10:24 Beirut Time Good Morning! Welcome to our live coverage of developments in the Middle East. In Gaza, Israeli forces continue airstrikes across the enclave and have opened fire on people seeking aid. In Lebanon, Israel is still targeting areas in the south and the Bekaa Valley despite a truce. We're also keeping an eye on updates from Iran and Syria.
Filipino Times
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Filipino Times
Qatari, Philippine officials meet in Doha to boost labor cooperation, OFW protection
Philippine and Qatari officials held a meeting in Doha on Tuesday to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation on labor-related concerns, including the protection of overseas Filipino workers. Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Undersecretary Jainal Rasul Jr. paid a courtesy call to Her Excellency Sheikha Najwa bint Abdulrahman Al Thani, Undersecretary of Qatar's Ministry of Labor, to discuss ongoing efforts to improve bilateral labor relations. They were joined by Philippine Ambassador to Qatar His Excellency Mardomel Celo Melicor, Assistant Secretary Venecio Legaspi, Vice Consul Jeffrey Batac, and Labor Attaché Eduard Ferrer. Photo courtesy: DMW/FB 'The two sides exchanged views on issues of mutual concern, including mechanisms for the protection of workers, facilitation of high-level dialogues, and other ways to enhance cooperation in the field of labor,' the Philippine Embassy in Qatar wrote on Facebook. The meeting also covered preparations for a ministerial-level gathering set later this year, where labor officials from both sides will further tackle concerns affecting OFWs in Qatar. The DMW team is in Doha ahead of the 'Bagong Bayani ng Mundo OFW Serbisyo Caravan' on July 25, which brings together 12 Philippine agencies in one venue at Philippine School Doha to provide essential government services to Filipinos in the host country.
