Tag: Benjamin Netanyahu

  • Netanyahu Says Deadly Israeli Strike in Rafah Was the Result of a ‘Tragic Mistake’ |

    TEL AVIV: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that a “tragic mistake” was made in an Israeli strike in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that set fire to a camp housing displaced Palestinians and, according to local officials, killed at least 45 people.

    The strike only added to the surging international criticism Israel has faced over its war with Hamas, with even its closest allies expressing outrage at civilian deaths. Israel insists it adheres to international law even as it faces scrutiny in the world’s top courts, one of which last week demanded that it halt the offensive in Rafah.

    Netanyahu did not elaborate on the error. Israel’s military initially said it had carried out a precise airstrike on a Hamas compound, killing two senior militants. As details of the strike and fire emerged, the military said it had opened an investigation into the deaths of civilians.

    Sunday night’s attack, which appeared to be one of the war’s deadliest, helped push the overall Palestinian death toll in the war above 36,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and noncombatants in its tally.

    “Despite our utmost efforts not to harm innocent civilians, last night there was a tragic mistake,” Netanyahu said Monday in an address to Israel’s parliament. “We are investigating the incident and will obtain a conclusion because this is our policy.”

    Mohammed Abuassa, who rushed to the scene in the northwestern neighborhood of Tel al-Sultan, said rescuers “pulled out people who were in an unbearable state.”

    “We pulled out children who were in pieces. We pulled out young and elderly people. The fire in the camp was unreal,” he said.

    At least 45 people were killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry and the Palestinian Red Crescent rescue service. The ministry said the dead included at least 12 women, eight children and three older adults, with another three bodies burned beyond recognition.

    In a separate development, Egypt’s military said one of its soldiers was shot dead during an exchange of fire in the Rafah area, without providing further details. Israel said it was in contact with Egyptian authorities, and both sides said they were investigating.

    An initial investigation found that the soldier had responded to an exchange of fire between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants, Egypt’s state-owned Qahera TV reported. Egypt has warned that Israel’s incursion in Rafah could threaten the two countries’ decades-old peace treaty.

    The UN Security Council scheduled an emergency closed meeting for Tuesday afternoon on the situation in Rafah at the request of Algeria, the Arab representative on the council, two council diplomats told The Associated Press.

    Rafah, the southernmost Gaza city on the border with Egypt, had housed more than a million people — about half of Gaza’s population — displaced from other parts of the territory. Most have fled once again since Israel launched what it called a limited incursion there earlier this month. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps in and around the city.

    Elsewhere in Rafah, the director of the Kuwait Hospital, one of the city’s last functioning medical centers, said it was shutting down and that staff members were relocating to a field hospital. Dr. Suhaib al-Hamas said the decision was made after a strike killed two health workers Monday at the entrance to the hospital.

    Netanyahu says Israel must destroy what he says are Hamas’ last remaining battalions in Rafah. The militant group launched a barrage of rockets Sunday from the city toward heavily populated central Israel, setting off air raid sirens but causing no injuries.

    The strike on Rafah brought a new wave of condemnation, even from Israel’s strongest supporters.

    The US National Security Council said in a statement that the “devastating images” from the strike on Rafah were “heartbreaking.” It said the US was working with the Israeli military and others to assess what happened.

    French President Emmanuel Macron was more blunt, saying “these operations must stop” in a post on X. “There are no safe areas in Rafah for Palestinian civilians. I call for full respect for international law and an immediate ceasefire,” he wrote.

    The Foreign Office of Germany, which has been a staunch supporter of Israel for decades, said “the images of charred bodies, including children, from the airstrike in Rafah are unbearable.”

    “The exact circumstances must be clarified, and the investigation announced by the Israeli army must now come quickly,” the ministry added. ”The civilian population must finally be better protected.”

    Qatar, a key mediator in attempts to secure a cease-fire and the release of hostages held by Hamas, said the Rafah strike could “complicate” talks. Negotiations, which appear to be restarting, have faltered repeatedly over Hamas’ demand for a lasting truce and the withdrawal of Israeli forces, terms Israeli leaders have publicly rejected.

    The Israeli military’s top legal official, Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, said authorities were examining the strike in Rafah and that the military regrets the loss of civilian life.

    Speaking to an Israeli lawyers’ conference, Tomer-Yerushalmi said Israel has launched 70 criminal investigations into possible violations of international law, including the deaths of civilians, the conditions at a detention facility holding suspected militants and the deaths of some inmates in Israeli custody. She said incidents of property crimes and looting were also being examined.

    Israel has long maintained it has an independent judiciary capable of investigating and prosecuting abuses. But rights groups say Israeli authorities routinely fail to fully investigate violence against Palestinians and that even when soldiers are held accountable, the punishment is usually light.

    Israel has denied allegations of genocide brought against it by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. Last week, the court ordered Israel to halt its Rafah offensive, a ruling it has no power to enforce.

    Separately, the chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court is seeking arrest warrants against Netanyahu and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, as well as three Hamas leaders, over alleged crimes linked to the war. The ICC only intervenes when it concludes that the state in question is unable or unwilling to properly prosecute such crimes.

    Israel says it does its best to adhere to the laws of war. Israeli leaders also say they face an enemy that makes no such commitment, embeds itself in civilian areas and refuses to release Israeli hostages unconditionally.

    Hamas triggered the war with its Oct. 7 attack into Israel, in which Palestinian militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and seized some 250 hostages. Hamas still holds about 100 hostages and the remains of around 30 others after most of the rest were released during a cease-fire last year.

    Around 80% of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have fled their homes. Severe hunger is widespread, and UN officials say parts of the territory are experiencing famine.

  • Netanyahu Vows To Invade Rafah ‘With Or Without A Deal’ As Cease-Fire Talks With Hamas Continue

    Netanyahu has vowed to achieve “total victory” in the war and has faced pressure from his nationalist governing partners to launch an offensive in Rafah, which Israel says is Hamas’ last major stronghold.

  • ‘Israel Will Decide How To Respond To Iran’: PM Benjamin Netanyahu Tells West Amid Calls For Restraint | world news

    Tel Aviv: Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has affirmed his nation’s commitment to defending itself autonomously, regardless of advice from allies, amid escalating tensions with Iran. Netanyahu’s assertion came during a cabinet meeting following discussions with UK Foreign Secretary David Cameron and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock, who had arrived in Israel in the wake of Tehran’s recent attack. Germany and the UK, while urging restraint from Israel, warned of the potential for broader conflict in the Middle East. However, Israel remains steadfast in its determination to retaliate against Iran, emphasizing the need for consequences following the attack.

    Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s prerogative to make independent decisions for its defense, regardless of external counsel. While appreciating the suggestions from allies, he reiterated Israel’s commitment to taking necessary measures to ensure its security. In his remarks at the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu said that the two leaders had “all kinds of suggestions and advice.” He noted that while it was appreciated, Israel would nevertheless “make our own decisions, and Israel will do everything necessary to defend itself.”

    Cameron acknowledged the likelihood of retaliation against Israel but expressed hope for a measured response to prevent further escalation. Baerbock voiced opposition to Israel’s retaliatory plans, advocating for prudence and emphasizing the need to prevent further fueling of the conflict.

    Amid ongoing diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu’s office underlined Israel’s right to self-defense during discussions with foreign counterparts. Talks between Cameron, Baerbock, and Israeli leaders centered on the potential for Israeli retaliation.

    Baerbock and Cameron are slated to participate in a G7 foreign ministers’ meeting in Italy, where discussions will include considerations for imposing sanctions on Iran. Baerbock reiterated calls for Israel to exercise restraint, stressing the importance of responsible action.

    Cameron urged a refocus on addressing the situation in Gaza, where Israel’s counter-offensive against Hamas continues. The escalation between Israel and Iran follows Tehran’s retaliatory strikes for an alleged Israeli airstrike in Syria.

    Israel’s Defense Forces reported a high interception rate of projectiles launched by Iran, underscoring Israel’s military capabilities. The attack, comprising drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles, was largely intercepted, with support from allies including the US, Jordan, and the UK.

  • Netanyahu Says Iran Attack Likely In ‘Other Areas Not Gaza’, How Is Israel Preparing For Different Scenarios? , world news

    In the midst of the ongoing war in Gaza, Israel is preparing for potential threats in other areas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during his visit to the Tel Nof air force base in southern Israel, made it clear that Israel is ready to meet all its security needs, both defensively and offensively. “Whoever harms us, we will harm them,” he declared. The tension escalated when a senior Iranian general and six other officers were killed in an airstrike on the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus on April 1. Although Israel has not claimed responsibility, Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, vowed that Israel “must be punished “For the attack.

    Israel’s chief military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, assured that while civilians are not being told to make any special preparations, Israel is “highly prepared for a range of scenarios.”

    How Is Israel Preparing For Likely Iran Attack?

    As Netanyahu made these comments, Israeli troops and warplanes initiated an operation in central Gaza aimed at destroying the infrastructure of armed Palestinian groups. Most Israeli troops have been pulled out of Gaza, preparing for an assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where over a million Palestinians are sheltering. However, fighting continues in various areas of the enclave.

    Residents and militants reported intense gun battles with Israeli forces, particularly in the northern and southern areas of the Al-Nuseirat refugee camp. Israeli strikes from air, ground, and sea have been relentless, causing significant damage, including the destruction of two mosques.

    The conflict in Gaza, now in its seventh month, has overshadowed the increasingly tense situation further north. Israeli troops have engaged in daily exchanges of fire with Hezbollah terrorists across the border in Lebanon. On Thursday, Israeli jets hit Hezbollah targets in several areas, including Meiss el Jabal, Yarine, and Khiam.

    The Iranian-backed militia, known to possess a large arsenal of missiles, has long been considered one of the most likely forces that Tehran could use against Israel. However, so far, both sides have refrained from a full-scale confrontation.

    In the past 24 hours, Israeli military strikes have resulted in the death of 63 Palestinians and injured 45 others, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Late on Thursday, an Israeli airstrike reportedly killed Rudwan Rudwan, the head of the Hamas-run police force in Jabalia camp in the northern Gaza Strip.

    Since the Israeli offensive began, at least 33,545 Palestinians have been killed, with most of the 2.3 million population displaced and much of the enclave laid to waste. The war began when Hamas led an attack on southern Israel, resulting in the death of 1,200 people and 253 taken hostage. Around 130 are still being held incommunicado in Gaza, according to Israel.

  • 'Deeply Concerned…': Biden Tells Netanyahu Over Israel's Potential Military Operations In Rafah | world news

    New Delhi: US President Joe Biden expressed his grave concerns to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding potential extensive military actions in Rafah, similar to those in Gaza City and Khan Younis, as conveyed by US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. In a phone call with Biden, Netanyahu consented to dispatch a mixed team of Israeli experts to Washington to deliberate on a different strategy to address key Hamas figures in Rafah and to safeguard the border between Egypt and Gaza without launching a significant ground offensive, as announced. by Sullivan in a press briefing.

    The conversation marked the first direct communication between the leaders in a month, focusing significantly on Rafah.

    Biden detailed his serious apprehensions about Israel initiating large-scale military operations in Rafah, akin to previous campaigns in Gaza City and Khan Younis.

    Sullivan highlighted that over a million individuals have sought sanctuary in Rafah, having moved from Gaza City through Khan Younis, with no alternative refuge available as other major cities in Gaza are mostly in ruins.

    He further noted that Israel has yet to propose a viable plan to the US or the international community for the safe relocation, sustenance, and accommodation of these civilians, including ensuring essential services like sanitation.

    Rafah serves as a crucial gateway for humanitarian aid from Egypt into Gaza, and any military action there would impede this flow.

    Sullivan mentioned Egypt's profound concern regarding a significant military operation in Rafah, which could potentially impact its future relations with Israel.

    He clarified that questioning the strategy in Rafah does not equate to questioning the defeat of Hamas, dismissing such comparisons as baseless.

    The US stance is clear: Hamas must not find refuge in Rafah or elsewhere. However, a substantial ground operation would be erroneous, leading to further civilian casualties, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis, contributing to chaos in Gaza, and increasing Israel's international isolation.

    Sullivan emphasized that Israel's objectives in Rafah could be achieved through alternative methods.

    Biden urged Netanyahu to send a high-level team, including military, intelligence, and humanitarian personnel, to Washington soon to discuss the US's apprehensions regarding Israel's intentions for Rafah and to propose a different plan targeting Hamas in the city while maintaining border security, without a full-scale invasion.

    Netanyahu agreed to this proposal.

    The leaders also reviewed ongoing talks for an immediate ceasefire, which would extend for several weeks in exchange for releasing hostages held by Hamas and other groups in Gaza.

    The aim is to leverage the ceasefire to enhance humanitarian aid delivery at a critical juncture. Despite challenges in reaching an agreement, the US remains committed to this urgent matter.

    Biden reiterated his unwavering commitment to Israel's long-term security and reiterated Israel's right to counteract Hamas, responsible for significant atrocities against the Jewish community, as affirmed in his State of the Union address.

  • Gaza situation catastrophic: UN

    By Express News Service

    AHEAD of an imminent ground assault on Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday convened the first meeting of the emergency cabinet. “If Hamas thought we would fall apart, then no: We will tear Hamas apart,” he said. The Israeli troops are waiting at the border for the green signal to march to Gaza City, from where hundreds of thousands have fled to southern Gaza Strip. 

    Describing the situation in Gaza Strip as ‘catastrophic’, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency working for Palestine refugees said there is acute shortage of food, water, and medicines for children, pregnant women and elderly in the UN shelters. 

    According to reports, hospitals in Gaza are packed with wounded people and are running low on fuel and other basic supplies. Medics have warned that thousands could die if power is not restored. Meanwhile, Israel on Sunday reiterated its demand that those in northern Gaza must move to the southern part. It is also planning to resume water supply to southern Gaza.  

    “This will push the civilian population to the southern (part of the) Strip,” said Israel’s Energy Minister Israel Katz. The move comes a week after Israel had stopped supplying water to the entire territory as part of a “complete siege” imposed on the Palestinian enclave.

    On Sunday, Iran and China slammed Israel for escalating the conflict, which has claimed at least 3,600 lives so far. Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned the situation would go out of control if Israel sends its soldiers into Gaza. China said Israel’s actions have far exceeded “the scope of self defence. SpiceJet on Sunday brought in 320 Indian passengers from Israel under Operation Ajay. The airline will operate another flight from Tel Aviv to Delhi on Monday morning.  Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

    AHEAD of an imminent ground assault on Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday convened the first meeting of the emergency cabinet. “If Hamas thought we would fall apart, then no: We will tear Hamas apart,” he said. The Israeli troops are waiting at the border for the green signal to march to Gaza City, from where hundreds of thousands have fled to southern Gaza Strip. 

    Describing the situation in Gaza Strip as ‘catastrophic’, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency working for Palestine refugees said there is acute shortage of food, water, and medicines for children, pregnant women and elderly in the UN shelters. 

    According to reports, hospitals in Gaza are packed with wounded people and are running low on fuel and other basic supplies. Medics have warned that thousands could die if power is not restored. Meanwhile, Israel on Sunday reiterated its demand that those in northern Gaza must move to the southern part. It is also planning to resume water supply to southern Gaza.  googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “This will push the civilian population to the southern (part of the) Strip,” said Israel’s Energy Minister Israel Katz. The move comes a week after Israel had stopped supplying water to the entire territory as part of a “complete siege” imposed on the Palestinian enclave.

    On Sunday, Iran and China slammed Israel for escalating the conflict, which has claimed at least 3,600 lives so far. Iran’s foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned the situation would go out of control if Israel sends its soldiers into Gaza. China said Israel’s actions have far exceeded “the scope of self defence. SpiceJet on Sunday brought in 320 Indian passengers from Israel under Operation Ajay. The airline will operate another flight from Tel Aviv to Delhi on Monday morning.  Follow The New Indian Express channel on WhatsApp

  • Will deploy all resources to punish Embassy attack culprits: PM Modi to Israel’s Benjamin Netanyahu

    By PTI
    NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday to convey his strong condemnation of the terror attack near the Israeli Embassy here on January 29 and asserted that India will deploy all its resources to find and punish the perpetrators.

    A PMO statement said that in his conversation with Netanyahu over phone, Modi assured him that India accords the highest importance to the safety and security of Israeli diplomats and premises.

    Our close and valuable security cooperation will continue. We also discussed our healthcare cooperation in the context of Covid-19.
    — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) February 1, 2021

    Later in tweets, Modi said, “Spoke to my friend PM @netanyahu and assured him that the attack near the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi will be fully investigated and perpetrators brought to justice. Our close and valuable security cooperation will continue. We also discussed our healthcare cooperation in the context of COVID-19.”

    A low-intensity blast had occurred outside the embassy on January 29. No one was injured. Both leaders, the PMO said, expressed satisfaction about the close coordination between Indian and Israeli security agencies in connection with the blast probe.

    Some cars were damaged in the explosion that occurred about 150 metres away from the embassy on Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Road in the very high-security Lutyens’ bungalow zone. The Israeli foreign ministry said all its diplomats and embassy staff in Delhi are “safe and sound”.

  • Israelis hold dawn protest over PM Netanyahu’s corruption trial

    By BNS
    JERUSALEM: Dozens of Israeli protesters carrying lit torches, megaphones and flags gathered at dawn Wednesday outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s official residence to highlight his corruption trial, which is set to resume next month.

    Police said at least seven demonstrators were arrested for disorderly conduct. The demonstration was organized by Crime Minister, one of several groups that have sprung up in recent months calling for Netanyahu to resign over the trial and his government’s handling of the coronavirus.

    The protesters read the indictment outside his residence. He was supposed to appear in court Wednesday, but the hearing was postponed to Feb. 8 because of a coronavirus lockdown that heavily restricts public gatherings.

    For months, protesters have held weekly demonstrations outside the prime minister’s office and at major road intersections and bridges across the country.

    Netanyahu was indicted last year on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust linked to three corruption cases. He has denied any wrongdoing and accuses the media, law enforcement and judicial officials of waging a “witch hunt” against him.

    Netanyahu is once again fighting for re-election ahead of a nationwide vote in March — the fourth to be held in Israel in less than two years. Polls show his Likud party winning the most seats but being unable to form a coalition government because of rivalries with other right-wing leaders.