Tag: ceasefire in Gaza

  • Hamas says ‘Ready’ for Gaza truce after Lebanon ceasefire

    Hamas says ‘Ready’ for Gaza truce after Lebanon ceasefire

    Hamas is ready to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, a senior official in the Palestinian resistance group said Wednesday, hailing the ceasefire that took hold in Lebanon.

    “We have informed mediators in Egypt, Qatar and Turkey that Hamas is ready for a ceasefire agreement and a serious deal to exchange prisoners,” the official told AFP, however, accusing Israel of obstructing a deal.

    In a statement released later Wednesday, Hamas said, “the enemy’s acceptance of the agreement with Lebanon without achieving its preconditions marks a significant milestone in shattering (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu’s illusions of reshaping the Middle East through force”.

    The group also praised the “pivotal” role of its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.

    In the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian Authority expressed hope that the ceasefire would bring stability to the region, especially in war-torn Gaza.

    “We hope that this step will contribute to stopping the violence and instability that the region is suffering from,” the Palestinian presidency said in a statement, highlighting the need to enforce a UN resolution for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.

    Violence in the West Bank-occupied by Israel since 1967-has surged since the Gaza war erupted after Hamas’s unprecedented October 7, 2023.

    Notably, the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon took effect today after more than a year of fighting that has killed thousands of people.

    US President Joe Biden announced the ceasefire agreement on Tuesday, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his ministers had agreed to a halt.

    The United States is Israel’s key ally and military backer, and Biden hailed the deal as “good news” and a “new start” for Lebanon. 

    Netanyahu thanked Biden for his involvement in brokering the deal and said it would allow Israel to focus on Hamas in Gaza and Iran.

    Under the terms of the Lebanon truce, Israel will maintain “full” freedom to act against Hezbollah if it poses any new threat, Netanyahu said.

    However, a truce in Lebanon, Netanyahu said, will permit Israel to redirect its focus on Gaza, “When Hezbollah is out of the picture, Hamas is left alone in the fight. Our pressure on it will intensify.”

  • Norway’s Parliament asks govt to be prepared for recognizing ‘independent’ Palestine

    Norway’s Parliament asks govt to be prepared for recognizing ‘independent’ Palestine

    Eight out of the ten parties represented in Norway’s parliament voted for the recognition of an independent Palestinian state in future.
    The proposition was propounded by the ruling coalition-to counter the resolution by smaller parties-calling for an immediate recognition of a Palestinian state.

    The resolution stated that the parliament “asks the government to be ready to recognize Palestine as an independent state when recognition could have a positive impact on the peace process, without making a final peace accord a condition.”

    The resolution has gained the ire of Israel as the process of evacuation of 60 Norwegian nationals from Gaza has been stopped as per reports.

    In Europe, Iceland, Sweden, Poland, Czech Republic, and Romania recognize the statehood of Palestine.

    Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has also ensured his parliament that the process of recognizing Palestinian’s right to statehood will be sped up.

    Belgium has also begun the process of recognizing the right.

    Irish opposition leader Mary Lou McDonald has reiterated the call for a ceasefire, asserting that “Palestinian people have a right to their homeland.”

  • Priyanka Chopra, Janelle Monae, Richard Gere joined the ceasefire call

    Priyanka Chopra, Janelle Monae, Richard Gere joined the ceasefire call

    As the tide shifts with protests being held in America by activists and journalists demanding an end to the genocide of Gaza, more Hollywood stars have added their names to an open letter calling for a ceasefire.

    The letter urges Congress and President Joe Biden to call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza as the Palestinian death toll is set to hit 11,000. Right now, Israeli military has encircled Gaza hospitals, offering no safe exit for doctors and patients stuck inside without water or food.

    The ceasefire letter now features more prominent names including Grammy award nominated singer Janelle Monae, Hollywood legend Richard Gere as well as Indian actress Priyanka Chopra.

    Previously, speaking with the UNRWA, Richard Gere declared that the people of Palestine hold a special place in his heart.

    Prominent actors like Susan Sarandon and rapper Macklemore gave speeches at the March For Palestine protest held in Washington, where both demanded an end for US complicity in Israel’s war crimes.