Latest news with #peaceProcess
Al Jazeera
2 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Trump defends Netanyahu, attacks Israeli prosecutors over corruption trial
United States President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on Israeli prosecutors over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial, calling it 'insanity' and linking Washington's financial support to the proceedings. Posting on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, Trump lashed out at Israeli authorities for undermining Netanyahu's ability to negotiate with the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza and manage mounting tensions with Iran. 'It is INSANITY doing what the out-of-control prosecutors are doing to Bibi Netanyahu,' Trump wrote, referring to the Israeli leader with his nickname and claiming his trial would obstruct peace efforts in the region. 'The United States of America spends billions of dollars a year … protecting and supporting Israel. We are not going to stand for this,' he added. Netanyahu is set to take the stand on Monday for cross-examination in a long-running corruption case that began in 2020. He faces charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust – all of which he denies. His lawyers had requested a two-week delay in testimony, citing national security demands following Israel's recent 12-day conflict with Iran. That appeal was rejected on Friday. Members of Israel's Knesset have accused Netanyahu of using the regional conflicts to secure an end to his corruption trial. '[Netanyahu] is conditioning the future of Israel and our children on his trial,' Naama Lazimi, Knesset member from the Democrats Party, told The Times of Israel newspaper. Karine Elharrar, Knesset member from Yesh Atid party, warned that Netanyahu is 'acting against the Israeli public interest' by linking his legal fate with captive negotiations and regional normalisation agreements. ICC arrest warrant Netanyahu's legal troubles include an International Criminal Court arrest warrant issued last year for him and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant. The charges include war crimes and crimes against humanity related to Israel's war on Gaza, beginning in October 2023. Both leaders have called the arrest warrant 'anti-Semitic'. Trump's comments come just days after he suggested a ceasefire deal with Hamas may be close. Speaking to reporters, he claimed Netanyahu was engaged in negotiations with the Palestinian group, though no further details were provided. Hamas has stated it would free remaining Israeli captives in Gaza as part of a deal to end the war, but has rejected Israeli demands for total disarmament. Netanyahu responded to Trump's defence with a post on X: 'Thank you again, @realDonaldTrump. Together, we will make the Middle East Great Again!' Calls for Netanyahu to resign The political turmoil in Israel has deepened, with renewed calls for Netanyahu's resignation. In a televised interview with Channel 12, former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said it was time for Netanyahu to step aside. 'He has been in power for 20 years … that's too much,' said Bennett. 'He bears heavy responsibility for the divisions in Israeli society.' Bennett, who has taken a break from politics, is reportedly eyeing a return, with polls suggesting he could challenge Netanyahu once more.
The National
2 days ago
- Politics
- The National
Truce and threats, what's next in the Israel-Iran conflict?
From nuclear talks to a Gaza ceasefire, our expert panel examines the rocky road ahead
Irish Times
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Irish Times
Racism and Northern Ireland
Sir, – I have just returned home to Northern Ireland from a funeral in Dublin today of a dear friend of my wife who also passed away only a couple of weeks ago. I met some delightful young people who were appalled at the racial prejudice shown on our streets in the past week. They are aware of course of similar incidents in the Republic. I find that our future is in good hands with the positive attitude of these young people in rejecting racism in all its forms. I'm in my 80s and have witnessed Northern Ireland before the Troubles. READ MORE My wife and I raised three delightful children during those times and am now experiencing the aftermath of the peace process. The people who are being abused, as we know, are fleeing from hatred and violence to seek refuge in our beautiful country. We should be privileged with their choices. Unfortunately, our political leaders from both sides of our divide have shown poor leadership in confronting the events of the past week. I fully support the PSNI but they have not had their finest hour. Our leaders on both sides of the Border need to show solidarity in finding a resolution to this serious problem. – Yours, etc, GERRY MCQUILLAN, Saintfield, Co Down.
Washington Post
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
The world has one last chance to save the two-state solution
Ali Shihabi is a Saudi author and commentator and member of the advisory board of the new Saudi region of Neom planned by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The world should wait no longer to formally recognize the State of Palestine. This is not about sentiment or symbolism. It is about urgent, necessary action to rescue a peace process on life support. Recognition is a critical diplomatic tool to shift a stagnant and increasingly dangerous status quo.
Arab News
12-06-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
France's Macron praises Palestinian president's ‘genuine willingness' for peace
LONDON: France's President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday praised Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas' 'concrete and unprecedented commitments' after receiving a letter from the latter ahead of the UN-backed Saudi-French conference on a two-state solution in Palestine. In his letter on Monday, which was addressed to Macron and Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Abbas outlined the main steps to be taken to end the war on Gaza. He called for the demilitarization of Hamas, the release of hostages, a ceasefire in Gaza and deployment of international forces to protect 'the Palestinian people,' while reaffirming his commitment to reforms and elections. Abbas also demanded an end to 'the occupation and conflict once and for all' and halting settler activities. In a post on X, Macron described the letter as 'a decisive moment, praising the Palestinian leader for charting 'a course toward a horizon of peace.' I received a letter of hope, courage, and clarity. The President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, charts a course toward a horizon of peace. A condemnation of terrorism, the release of hostages, the demilitarization of Hamas, an end to the war in Gaza,… — Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) June 12, 2025 'Concrete and unprecedented commitments that demonstrate a genuine willingness to move forward,' said Macron. France and Saudi Arabia will co-chair the International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution in New York next week. The conference at the UN's headquarters aims to achieve concrete steps toward the two-state solution. In his letter, Abbas stressed the Palestinian Authority's commitment to presidential and general elections within a year across the Occupied Territories — including East Jerusalem — under international supervision. 'The Palestinian people are entitled to live in freedom and dignity in their homeland. Palestine and Israel are entitled to exist as states, in peace and security, in conformity with international law,' Abbas wrote in his letter. Reaffirming his commitment to the two-state solution, he said: 'We are ready to conclude within a clear and binding timeline, and with international support, supervision and guarantees, a peace agreement that ends the Israeli occupation and resolves all outstanding and final status issues.'
