Tag: Israeli Occupation

  • The war will last for ‘months’, says the Israeli Defence Minister to US envoy

    The war will last for ‘months’, says the Israeli Defence Minister to US envoy

    Israel pressed its offensive in the Gaza Strip on Friday after telling a key supporter, the United States of America that the war to crush Hamas will last “more than several months”.

    On Thursday, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met in Tel Aviv with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

    During their meeting, Mr. Gallant warned that Israel’s fight with Hamas “will require a period of time — it will last more than several months, but we will win and we will destroy them”.

    Speaking in Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden urged Israel to take more care to protect civilians in Gaza.

    “I want them to be focused on how to save civilian lives — not stop going after Hamas, but be more careful,” said Mr. Biden, whose government has provided Israel with billions of dollars in military aid.

    White House spokesman John Kirby, meanwhile, said Washington was “not dictating terms” to Israel and that the timeline given by Gallant was “consistent” with what Israeli officials had previously said.

    Mr Netanyahu on Thursday vowed to carry on “until victory”, and Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said the war would continue “with or without international support”.

    Mr Sullivan on Friday will head to the Israeli-occupied West Bank city of Ramallah for talks with Palestinian Authority leaders, a US official said on condition of anonymity.

    The West Bank, which is ruled by the Palestinian Authority (PA), has seen a surge in violence since October 7.

    There, the Palestinian health ministry said 11 people had been killed since the Israeli military launched a raid in the city of Jenin and its refugee camp earlier this week.

    The war in Gaza has led to increased popular support for Hamas in the West Bank, further weakening the internationally recognized PA.

  • Pakistani Ambassador at UN lauded for Palestine resolution speech

    Pakistani Ambassador at UN lauded for Palestine resolution speech

    Pakistani Ambassador to the United Nations, Munir Akram, delivered a strong statement on the war that is taking place in Gaza during the 10th Emergency Special Session on December 12.

    He expressed Pakistan’s allegiance to the resolution submitted by the Arab and Islamic countries proposing an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and release of all hostages. Ambassador Munir also criticised America, one of the permanent members, for vetoing that resolution. Calling out the friend of Israel, for proposing an amendment that “condemns one side while exonerating the other”. He called it “unfair and inequitable”.

    The Pakistani ambassador reminded the world that Israel has dropped 25,000 tons of explosives on Gaza which is nearly equivalent to the atomic bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. He stressed that “Israel’s goal is not to erase Hamas, this is a war against the Palestinian people, not just to erase people but to erase the entire idea of Palestine. It is the same as racial slaughter conducted by settler colonial power in the past.”

    Munir Akram ended the speech by calling out the UN that its duty should not be “to justify the genocide that is taking place.”

    Riyad Mansour, Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, especially thanked the Pakistani Ambassador for his stance and the effective speech by calling him a lawyer of the Palestinian cause in the tenth emergency session. He said that Ambassador Munir Akram shredded to pieces the amendments proposed in favour of perpetrators. He praised the Pakistani Ambassador stating that due to his efforts “even one of the opposing countries voted in favour of the resolution today”.

    Member states then adopted a resolution demanding an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire”, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and well as “ensuring humanitarian access”.

    It passed with a large majority of 153 in favour and 10 against, with 23 abstentions.

  • Israel drops leaflets containing ayats from The Quran on Palestinians

    Israel drops leaflets containing ayats from The Quran on Palestinians

    Residents of Khan Yonis in the besieged Gaza Strip have received leaflets quoting a verse in the Quran which states “The flood overtook them as they were wrongdoers.”

    The witnesses say that the Israeli army has showered the leaflets through a plane in the area, the latest focus of Israeli military’s ground offensive.

    Journalist Aamer Tabsh in Khan Younis says he saw Israeli planes drop thousands of fliers.

    Tabsh says residents are convinced the reference to the epic flood of Noah in the Quran and the Bible “means that something much worse is coming.”
    Some are linking it to Hamas’ name for its October 7 onslaught against Israel, “Al Aqsa Deluge,” or flood.

    Al-Jazeera points to recent reports that the Israeli forces are considering flooding Hamas’s subterranean tunnel network with seawater to force out its fighters.

  • Video: Mother protects son’s grave as Israel demolishes Muslim graveyard

    A Palestinian woman on Monday resisted Israeli police trying to push her from her son’s tombstone, located at the Al-Yusufiye cemetery in East Jerusalem, as she tried to hug it, reports Anadolu Agency.

    In the video, Alaa Nababta can be seen throwing her body on the ground near her son’s grave and crying.

    “Bury me here,” cried Nababta.

    “You will only exhume my son over my dead body,” she told the Israeli police who were unable to stop her from reaching her son’s grave.

    Nababta while talking to Anadolu Agency said that the Israeli authorities are after Palestinians in the city “whether they are alive or dead.”

    “Here is our cemetery, where else do we bury them?” asked Nababta.

    She added: “Every day we come here fearing that the grave will be bulldozed.”

    “As a mother, what do you think my feelings will be when I watch them try to raze my son’s grave? Pain, pain, and heartbreak.”

    On Monday, the Israeli municipality crews in Jerusalem and the Israeli Nature Authority, to establish a Jewish national park, renewed razing a part of the Al-Yusufiye cemetery, located near the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

    Dozens of Palestinians whose family members have been buried in the area for centuries arrived in the cemetery, fearing that the graves of their relatives will be razed.

  • Israeli officers kill Palestinian woman after alleged stabbing, open fire on medical help

    Israeli officers kill Palestinian woman after alleged stabbing, open fire on medical help

    Israeli officers fatally shot a Palestinian woman who allegedly tried to stab the officers in one of the streets leading to Al Aqsa mosque, which is considered Islam’s third holiest site.

    An Agence France-Presse (AFP) journalist heard the gunshots and found her body on the ground.

    The alleged attempted attack did not result in any casualties. Later, police opened fire at medical forces who arrived at the scene of her death.

    The police claimed that the 30-year-old deceased woman was leaving the Al Aqsa compound when she approached them [officers].

    In the West Bank, Israeli forces also killed a man by opening fire on him during an operation conducted by Israeli troops and border police. No Israeli forces were wounded in this incident.

    “During the operation, an armed [male] fired at the forces who were operating in the village during a riot,” police said.

    “Border police forces responded with gunfire and neutralised him,” they said, confirming his death to AFP.

    A total of five Palestinians were killed on Sunday after an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank which sparked gunbattles with Hamas fighters.

  • Israeli airstrikes target Gaza again since ceasefire

    Israeli airstrikes target Gaza again since ceasefire

    Israeli aircraft struck Gaza on Wednesday in the first such attacks since the end of 11 days of cross-border fighting last month.

    The overnight air strikes gave way to calm by morning, and there were no reports of casualties on either side, reports Aljazeera.

    On Tuesday, hundreds of Israeli ultranationalists, some chanting “Death to Arabs”, paraded in East Jerusalem in a show of force that threatened to spark renewed violence, reported Dawn.

    The raids early on Wednesday come less than a month after Israel’s 11-day bombardment of Gaza in May.

    https://twitter.com/wwallxc/status/1404928255568846849

    The Israeli raids come two days after a new coalition government, headed by right-wing nationalist Naftali Bennet, took power on Sunday, ending Benjamin Netanyahu’s 12-year run as prime minister.

  • Susan Sarandon lauds Bella Hadid’s efforts for Palestine, condemns Israel’s apartheid

    Susan Sarandon lauds Bella Hadid’s efforts for Palestine, condemns Israel’s apartheid

    American actress, activist, and producer Susan Sarandon has lauded Bella Hadid for her efforts for the Palestinians and condemned Israel’s apartheid in Palestine.

    “I stand with the Palestinian people fighting against the apartheid government of Netanyahu and pray for the Israeli people that they too, will enjoy peace,” said Susan while writting on Twitter.

    She also commended Bella’s efforts, saying: “I also support Bella Hadid for having the bravery to stand in solidarity with her people,” adding, “that can be lonely.”

    Replying to Susan, the American supermodel said: “Susan I’ve always looked up to you and your advocacy for the world. You give me the strength to keep speaking up for the things that matter to me… human rights for everyone worldwide. You give me the strength to stay strong in my power, to keep moving forward with kindness, respect, integrity, and love… no matter what!”

    “Thank you for your support, Susan. You are the legend above all legends. I am lucky to hear these words from you, and I know Palestine is grateful for your support as well. We will always stand tall for the voices of the oppressed and of the silenced, Thank you, I love you dearly,” wrote Bella.

    Earlier, Hadid had joined a protest in New York in solidarity with Palestinian people against Israeli violence in Palestine.

    Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Israel ruthlessly attacked worshipers at Al-Aqsa the next day during Friday prayers on May 21.

  • Mark Ruffalo apologises for suggesting Israel committed ‘genocide’ in Palestine

    Mark Ruffalo apologises for suggesting Israel committed ‘genocide’ in Palestine

    American actor Mark Ruffalo, popularly known as The Hulk, has apologised for his statement which suggested that Israel is committing “genocide” in Palestine.

    “I have reflected and wanted to apologise for posts during the recent Israel/Hamas fighting that suggested Israel is committing ‘genocide’,” the actor wrote on Twitter. “It’s not accurate, it’s inflammatory, disrespectful and is being used to justify anti-Semitism here and abroad.”

    “Now is the time to avoid hyperbole,” added Ruffalo.

    The actor’s apology comes following weeks of violence on Palestinians during which Pakistani celebrities, as well as international celebrities, took to social media and came out on roads to condemn Israeli atrocities in Palestine.

    However, Mark hasn’t deleted his earlier tweets supporting Palestinians and they are still up on his account.

    Earlier in October 2020, Ruffalo had referred to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the division between the two as a “kind of apartheid” while speaking to television host Mehdi Hasan on the self-titled NBC program.

    He also accused the Israeli government of carrying out “asymmetrical warfare” against the Palestinian people, and tied in United States’ support for Israel as plainly aiding and abetting the separation and the “violence acted upon them.”

    Meanwhile, Usman Mukhtar expressed his shock over Mark’s change in stance, questioning, “What is happening?”

    Ushna Shah said: “And then there were none.”

    Ahmed Ali Butt also expressed his disappointment, saying: “Mark Ruffalo se Mark Badloo.”

    Earlier, American supermodel Gigi Hadid had called out anti-Semitic supporters of Palestine, calling them “hypocrites” for spreading hate towards the Jews.

  • Gigi Hadid calls out anti-Semitic people for ‘spreading hate’

    Gigi Hadid calls out anti-Semitic people for ‘spreading hate’

    Gigi Hadid has called out anti-Semitic supporters of Palestine, calling them “hypocrites” for spreading hate towards the Jews.

    “Anti-Semitic people who are using the pro-Palestine movement as an excuse to be violent and/or hateful towards Jewish people should be ashamed of themselves,” wrote the supermodel on Instagram.

    Hadid further added: “Their actions are hypocritical to the real Free Palestine. I’ve said this before and I want to make it clear again: By speaking out for equal rights of Palestinian people, I am never condoning violence or hate against the Jewish community.”

    “It is unacceptable, especially in the name of another marginalised group,” said Gigi, adding: “Everyone the right to feel safe regardless of their religion, where they’re from,or the actions of their government.”

    Sharing another post on her account from a Palestinian, Hadid said: “If you’re pro-Palestine with anti-Semitic intentions, I’m telling you to distance yourself away from the Palestinian cause as much as possible. We don’t want your support. We will not have your ignorance bastardize our fight for equal rights and justice. Which is all in the name of humanity.”

    The supermodel further said: “Palestine is a human rights cause. If you’re using this to intimidate members of the Jewish community, who have done you no harm – then you’re defeating the purpose of our cause. And I ask you [to] stay away from us. Do not raise our flag. You are equally hurting us. Sincerely, a Palestinian.”

    When Gigi earlier extended her support towards Palestine, she had clarified that she “condemns anti-Semitism” and is not trying to kill anyone.

    Meanwhile, Gigi also rubbished fake news circulating on social media about Dior cutting ties with sister Bella Hadid for supporting the Palestinian cause.

    Meanwhile, Hadid has also been accused of anti-Semitism after the supermodel voiced support for the people of Palestine amid Israeli violence.

  • Christian Betzmann under fire for insensitive take on Palestine issue, criticising Pakistan

    Christian Betzmann under fire for insensitive take on Palestine issue, criticising Pakistan

    German travel vlogger Christian Betzmann is at the receiving end of flak for his insensitive take on the Palestine issue and criticism on Pakistan.

    The Israeli armed oppression against the defenseless Palestinians has been making headlines all over the world. The catastrophic bombing in Gaza is being fearlessly conducted by the Israeli forces while the poor Palestinians continue to suffer from the worst humanitarian crisis. Amidst the ongoing violence in the Palestinian region, many common people, celebrities and social media influencers all across the world have shown support for the Palestinians.

    Christian shared his views on his Instagram stories and people were not happy with his take on it. One of the netizens used foul language with the YouTuber and Christian, instead of ignoring him, insulted Pakistani people and the country as a whole.

    Meanwhile, in a conversation with an influencer Muznah, the Vlogger shared his opinion regarding the Palestine issue, saying he believes that social media has never helped in any political event.

    He further added the strikes of third world countries are useless and waste of time , while also commenting that this thought is “naïve.”

    The German Vlogger even openly wrote that you have no power and concluded his statement, saying: “It’s better to go pray as praying is the only thing third world countries can do.”

    Whereas, “first world countries are based on doers,” he declared. 

    Christian who recently embraced Islam said: “Prayers do nothing” and “you can’t do anything.”

    The Vlogger also said that the people of Pakistan must enjoy as long they can because “you never know your country might be next.”

    Here is the conversation of the two:

    Tiktoker Romaisa Khan also confronted Betzmann regarding his statement

    Romaisa explained that Pakistan has its own sets of problems but they can’t be wrongfully compared to what the Palestinians are going through, as Christian had. She even called Christian a selfish man who now is talking trash about the country which warmly welcomed him with love.

    The Tiktok star also shared how she was unfollowed by Christian even though he was the one who had initially followed her on Instagram.

    Instagram influencer Khaqan Shahnawaz, who is soon to be seen in Mahira Khan’s Baarwan Khiladi also bashed the Vlogger and asked him to go back to his country if he hates this “Third World Country” so much.

    “If you don’t want to protest, then don’t. But don’t you dare say anything about my country, otherwise I will eat you alive,” said Khaqan jokingly.

    Christian responded to the backlash by saying that he condemns whatever is happening in Palestine but choosing to not speak about an issue should not be treated as an opportunity to insult him.

    He continued to press upon his own point of view and said in his own words, ”calling people bad words just because they don’t want to share their opinion is stupid.” He further said that if social media was as powerful as people were saying it was then it would have helped Pakistanis to fix their issues too.

    Later, Betzmann said that he stands with the people of Palestine.

    Meanwhile, Christian’s fiancée and Pakistani actress Zoya Nasir has not yet commented on the matter. However, she lauded Bella Hadid for her bravery and refusing to “bow down and stand for what is right.”

    Despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which was announced early Friday morning, Israel ruthlessly attacked worshippers at Al-Aqsa during Friday prayers.