Results for: Israel

For over a decade and a half, Hamas has maintained its willingness to accept a temporary two-state solution with Israel. However, the group’s refusal to recognize Israel or renounce armed resistance has fueled suspicions about its true intentions. After the October 2021 conflict in Gaza, senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya hinted at a potential shift, suggesting that the group might disarm and transition into a political party if an independent Palestinian state is established. Despite these statements, Israel remains committed to destroying Hamas and rejects the creation of a Palestinian state. Hamas’s nuanced positions and internal debates reflect ongoing tensions between its desire for international recognition and its commitment to armed resistance against Israeli occupation.

An unprecedented barrage of missiles and drones from Iran has tested Israel’s vaunted missile defense systems, highlighting evolving threats and the potential for escalation. While Israel’s successful interception showcases technological prowess, it also underscores the need for vigilance and strategic recalibration in the face of Iran’s increasingly direct tactics.

In a significant move, the European Parliament has overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning Iran for its attacks on Israel and affirming Europe’s commitment to Israel’s security. The resolution passed with 357 votes in favor and 20 against.

Israel has announced that it is continuing with its planned operation in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, despite international concerns over the potential impact on the 1.5 million Palestinians sheltering there.

A memorial service will be held at the National Cathedral in Washington on Thursday to honor the seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza earlier this month. The service will include speeches from celebrity chef and philanthropist José Andrés, founder and executive director of WCK, and renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. Senior Biden administration officials, including Douglas Emhoff, husband of Vice President Kamala Harris, and Assistant Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell, will also attend the service.

Satellite images and expert analysis reveal that Iran quickly replaced a destroyed radar installation within hours of an Israeli strike on an air base near the Natanz nuclear complex. The Israeli strike, targeting a Russian-made radar installation, was designed to demonstrate Iran’s missile defense systems could be effectively destroyed by long-range attacks. Despite Iran’s claim that its air base had been attacked by small Israeli drones, the satellite images indicate that the strike caused substantial damage to the radar installation. The Iranian regime appears to have downplayed the severity of the attack to avoid escalating the conflict into a full-scale regional war.

Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, has expressed a willingness to accept a long-term truce with Israel and disarm if an independent Palestinian state is established on pre-1967 borders. The group’s political leader, Khalil al-Hayya, made the comments amid stalled cease-fire talks. Hamas has long been committed to Israel’s destruction, but the offer suggests a potential shift in its stance. However, Israel has vowed to crush Hamas and is unlikely to consider such a scenario.

Defense Minister Khawaja Asif expressed optimism that the Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline project would resume despite geopolitical challenges and the risk of sanctions from the United States. He emphasized the need for regional cooperation to address regional turmoil and warned against the discriminatory treatment of Israel.

After a distressing video of American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin was released by Hamas, his parents, Rachel Goldberg and Jon Polin, have spoken out. The video, shared on Hamas’ Telegram channel, shows Goldberg-Polin identifying himself and pleading for help. The family has released a statement expressing relief at seeing their son alive but concern for his health and well-being. They have urged negotiators from Qatar, Egypt, the United States, Hamas, and Israel to secure a deal for his release. The video’s authenticity and date are still being verified, but the White House has confirmed receiving and examining it.

In a significant concession, Hamas political official Khalil al-Hayya suggests the Islamic terror group could agree to a five-year or longer truce with Israel and disarm if an independent Palestinian state is established within pre-1967 borders. Hamas would also join the Palestine Liberation Organization and establish a unified government with the rival Fatah faction.