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Saturday, April 27, 2024 Last Update: 1:32 PM GMT
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‘He Puts Obstacles’ – Israeli Official Says Netanyahu Hinders Reaching Deal on Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (Image: Palestine Chronicle)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

“Netanyahu does not want to reach an agreement at all, he creates difficulties and puts obstacles,” according to the unnamed official. 

An Israeli official accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday of not willing to strike a deal with the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas on a possible ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Israeli media reported.

“Netanyahu does not want to reach an agreement at all, he creates difficulties and puts obstacles,” Israeli Broadcasting Corporation KAN quoted the unnamed official as saying.

The official reportedly added that it is possible to reach an agreement with Hamas within days but Netanyahu requested a review of a comprehensive deal, contrary to the Egyptian offer.

According to the Anadolu news agency, Netanyahu’s office has yet to comment.

Earlier Friday, a top Egyptian security delegation arrived in Tel Aviv to discuss a possible cease-fire, according to Egyptian and Israeli media.

‘Under My Leadership’ – Netanyahu Says ICC Decisions Will Not Affect Israel’s Actions

Private broadcaster Al Qahera news TV quoted an unnamed Egyptian source as saying that the delegation will discuss a comprehensive ceasefire framework, saying there was “significant progress” narrowing differences between the Egyptian and Israeli delegations.

Meanwhile, KAN reported that security services “believe that this is the last opportunity to return the hostages from Gaza.”

Israeli news website Ynet also confirmed the arrival of an Egyptian delegation in Israel to meet with officials in efforts to achieve a deal.

On Friday, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that there are new Qatari-Egyptian efforts underway to try to reach a deal between Hamas and Israel. 

He added that there is new momentum in talks about conducting a prisoner exchange deal, without providing further details.

However, Egyptian media reported on Friday that Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatened Netanyahu to leave the government if the Egyptian initiative goes through.

‘We Received a Response’

Hamas announced on Saturday that it had received Israel’s official response to a prisoner and ceasefire proposal it sent to Egypt and Qatar on April 13.

“Hamas received Israel’s official response to the movement’s proposal delivered to mediators, Egypt and Qatar, on April 13,” Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s deputy head in the Gaza Strip, said in a statement, according to Al-Jazeera.

Hamas: We Received Israeli Response to Prisoner Exchange Proposal

“The movement will study this proposal, and upon completion, will submit its response to the mediators,” al-Hayya added.

The Israeli response coincided with a visit by a top Egyptian security delegation to Tel Aviv on Friday to discuss a possible Gaza ceasefire, according to Egyptian and Israeli media.

Hamas has repeatedly stated that it requires an end to Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.

Gaza Genocide

Currently on trial before the International Court of Justice for genocide against Palestinians, Israel has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7.  

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 34,388 Palestinians have been killed, and 77,437 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7.

Moreover, at least 7,000 people are unaccounted for, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the Strip. 

Palestinian and international organizations say that the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.

GAZA LIVE BLOG: Children Killed in New Massacres | Reports: Halevi to Resign Soon | Hamas: We Received Response – Day 204

The Israeli war has resulted in an acute famine, mostly in northern Gaza, resulting in the death of many Palestinians, mostly children. 

The Israeli aggression has also resulted in the forceful displacement of nearly two million people from all over the Gaza Strip, with the vast majority of the displaced forced into the densely crowded southern city of Rafah near the border with Egypt – in what has become Palestine’s largest mass exodus since the 1948 Nakba.

Israel says that 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed during the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on October 7. Israeli media published reports suggesting that many Israelis were killed on that day by ‘friendly fire’.

(PC, Anadolu)

11:43 am | Posted in Blog | News | Read More »

Two Palestinians Killed near Jenin as Israeli Raids in West Bank Continue

21-year-old Mustafa Sultan Abed and 20-year-old Ahmad Mohammed Shawahna were killed near Jenin. (Photo: via WAFA)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

Two Palestinians were killed by Israeli army gunfire in the city of Jenin on Friday night, as Israeli forces raided several cities and towns across the occupied West Bank.

Israeli forces killed two Palestinians near the Salem military checkpoint, killing 21-year-old Mustafa Sultan Abed and 20-year-old Ahmad Mohammed Shawahna and injuring others.

According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, “heavily-armed soldiers” prevented ambulances from reaching the area to recover the two bodies.

For its part, the Israeli army confirmed that its soldiers had killed two Palestinians for allegedly “firing on a military site in the northern West Bank.”

Al-Jazeera quoted the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation as saying that a third Palestinian fled the scene after being injured, without providing further details.

Military Raids 

Al Jazeera correspondent reported that Israeli occupation forces stormed the town of Al-Samou’, south of Hebron (Al-Khalil), raided a number of homes, and searched them.

Meanwhile, illegal Jewish settlers, under the protection of Israeli forces, raided an archaeological site in the center of the town on Friday and performed Talmudic rituals while giving Torah lessons before withdrawing from the site.

Al-Jazeera also said that the occupation forces stormed the city of Tulkarm in the northern West Bank.

Palestinian media reported that Palestinian gunfire targeted the occupation forces as they stormed the city.

The Tulkarm Battalion, affiliated with the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, announced that its fighters fired a barrage of bullets at the occupation forces storming the city on the axis of Al-Salam Roundabout, at dawn on Saturday, and announced that direct casualties had been achieved.

On Friday, Israeli occupation forces stormed cities and towns in the West Bank, and arrested a number of young Palestinians.

Additionally, groups of Jewish settlers stormed archaeological sites in Nablus and Jenin on the fourth day of  the Jewish Passover, under the protection of the occupation army.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that the number of Palestinians killed in the occupied West Bank since October 7 has risen to 491, including 123 children, five women, five elderly and ten political prisoners in Israeli detention. 

(PC, AJA)

11:27 am | Posted in Blog | News | Read More »

‘Under My Leadership’ – Netanyahu Says ICC Decisions Will Not Affect Israel’s Actions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said an ICC decision will not affect his country. (Design: Palestine Chronicle)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

Last week, government officials and legal experts convened an “emergency discussion” at the Prime Minister’s office to address the threat of ICC arrest warrants for senior government officials.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said any decisions made by the International Criminal Court (ICC) will not affect Israel’s actions, but would however “set a dangerous precedent.”

“Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its inherent right of self-defense,” Netanyahu said on X on Friday.

His remarks come amid Israeli media reports of the potential issuance of arrest warrants by the ICC against Netanyahu and other Israeli political and military leaders for alleged violations of international law in the ongoing assault of the Gaza Strip.

“Israel will continue to wage to victory our just war against genocidal terrorists and we will never stop defending ourselves,” said Netanyahu.

“While the ICC will not affect Israel’s actions, it would set a dangerous precedent that threatens the soldiers and officials of all democracies fighting savage terrorism and wanton aggression,” he stressed.

Emergency Meeting

Last week, government officials and legal experts convened for an “emergency discussion” at the Prime Minister’s office to address the looming threat of such arrest warrants, the Times of Israel reported, citing the Israeli Channel 12.

During the Tuesday discussion, which included Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Justice Minister Yariv Levin, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, it was reportedly decided that Israel would seek assistance from influential international diplomatic circles to counteract the potential issuance of arrest warrants.

Israel Fears ICC Arrest Warrants over Gaza War Crimes – What We Know So Far

According to The Times of Israel, Tel Aviv fears “the arrest warrants would be sought on the basis of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with countries that claim Israel is breaching international law and the 4th Geneva Convention said to be leading the effort.”

On Wednesday, Netanyahu reportedly held telephone conversations with his counterparts in the Netherlands, the Czech Republic and Austria, urging them to exert political pressure on the court in favor of Israel.

‘Immediate Measures’ – Israeli Officials Attempt to Counter Possible ICC Arrest Warrants

ICC Criticism

UN officials and international law experts have repeatedly criticized the ICC for its slow handling of prosecuting those responsible for Israel’s war crimes in Gaza.

In November 2023, South Africa, along with a few other countries, referred Israel to the ICC for an investigation into alleged war crimes committed during its assault on the Gaza Strip.

In December, about 100 Chilean lawyers filed a complaint before the ICC againstNetanyahu accusing him of committing crimes against humanity, genocide, and war crimes in Gaza.

Crime of Genocide – South Africa Officially Brings War Crimes Charges against Israel at ICC

Currently on trial before the International Court of Justice for genocide against Palestinians, Israel has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7.

Over 34,000 Killed

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 34,388 Palestinians have been killed, and 77,437 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7.

Moreover, at least 7,000 people are unaccounted for, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the Strip.

Palestinian and international organizations say that the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.

Palestinian Children, Civilians Killed in New Israeli Massacres across Gaza

The Israeli war has resulted in an acute famine, mostly in northern Gaza, resulting in the death of many Palestinians, mostly children.

The Israeli aggression has also resulted in the forceful displacement of nearly two million people from all over the Gaza Strip, with the vast majority of the displaced forced into the densely crowded southern city of Rafah near the border with Egypt – in what has become Palestine’s largest mass exodus since the 1948 Nakba.

Israel says that 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed during the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on October 7. Israeli media published reports suggesting that many Israelis were killed on that day by ‘friendly fire’.

(The Palestine Chronicle)

11:00 am | Posted in Blog | News | Read More »

‘Student Intifada’ – Gaza’s Students Express Solidarity with US Students’ Protests

Gaza’s students expressed solidarity with US students’ protests. (Design: Palestine Chronicle)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

According to Gaza’s government media office, 103 schools and universities have been destroyed in Israel’s ongoing genocidal assault on the besieged enclave.

Student movements in the Gaza Strip have saluted the students on American campuses for transforming their universities into “Popular Universities for Gaza.”

“We, the students of Gaza, salute the students of Columbia University, Yale University, New York University, Rutgers University, the University of Michigan, and dozens of universities across the United States who are rising up in solidarity with Gaza and to put an end to the Zionist-U.S. genocide against our people in Gaza,” the student movements said in a statement.

US Student Protest Movement Against Gaza Genocide Grows – Explainer 

Protests began at Columbia University ten days ago and have since spread to more than 20 universities and colleges across the US, with hundreds of students being arrested.

“As we remain under the bombs of occupation, resisting Nazi genocide, grieving for our martyred colleagues and faculty, and witnessing the destruction of our universities, we welcome the examples of solidarity offered by students facing arrest, police violence, suspension, eviction, and expulsion,” the statement, signed by 13 student organizations, added.

It acknowledged that the students’ protest action was “in order to demand that their universities end their complicity in the Zionist-U.S. genocide and renounce their support for the occupation and the war profiteers that arm it.”

Student Protests Escalate: From Columbia to Harvard, Calls for Action, Johnson Heckled

Arms Sales Profits

The Gazan student movements said these actions come “as university administrations collaborate with members of Congress to discredit conscientious student activists and faculty, expel students, ban events, shut down student organizations such as Students for Justice in Palestine, and condemn activists working to end the Nazi genocide.”

The statement further condemned “these same universities” that “invest in the same companies that profit from the continued sale of weapons to the Zionist regime to continue its genocidal offensive.”

According to Gaza’s government media office, 103 schools and universities have been destroyed in Israel’s ongoing genocidal assault on the besieged enclave that began last October.

More than 34,300 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, amongst them several university academics, school teachers and students.

In January, the Geneva-based Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said Israel “has targeted academic, scientific, and intellectual figures in the Strip in deliberate and specific air raids on their homes without prior notice.”

“Those targeted include 17 individuals who held professor degrees, 59 who held doctoral degrees, and 18 who held master’s degrees,” Euro-Med stated.

200 Days of Genocide – Gaza’s Shocking Stats on Massacres, Dead, Missing, Injured

The Gazan students also said: “Our students – and our educational system as a whole – in occupied Palestine are subjected to ongoing genocidal aggression: our universities destroyed and bombed, our student organizations banned, and our student leaders subjected to torture, assassination and mass imprisonment.”

Liberation Struggle

In Palestine, and around the world, “the student movement has always been a driving force of our struggle for liberation”.

They said that when they see videos and images “from American universities today, we are reminded of our history of student struggle as well as the student uprisings of 1968, which challenged imperialism from Vietnam to Palestine and reshaped the face of Europe and the United States. Now, in 2024, the student movement is once again leading the way.”

“From here in Gaza, we see you and salute you. Your actions and activism matter, especially in the heart of the empire, in the United States,” the statement added.

Israel Deliberately Kills Academics, Intellectuals in Gaza – Euro-Med Rights Group

UN Voices Concerns

The UN human rights office meanwhile has voiced concern about the detention of hundreds of students during demonstrations at American universities, the Anadolu news agency reported.

“We’re very concerned by the arrests of hundreds of students at US universities, and a number of cases that are quite heavy-handed response by the police to the protests,” spokesperson Jeremy Laurence told Anadolu.

Underlining that rights to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are “fundamental,” Laurance said: “Everyone has a right to peacefully protest, and they shouldn’t be obstructed in doing so.”

He said the office is aware of reports about “antisemitism” and “anti-Islamism” at the protests, adding that they should also be condemned and stopped.

“People have the right to protest and (express their) political views as long as they respect. Their political views, in this case, with respect to what’s happening in Gaza, that they’re allowed to air their opinion and express their views on the events that are unfolding that which are tragic, we know that,” Laurence reportedly said.

“They should be entitled to express those views.”

‘Disclose. Divest’

Columbia Students for Justice in Palestine in a statement on Friday emphasized that “What began with a few students has grown into a vibrant communal space, far more educational than a college course.”

“In the face of mass slaughter and our own complicity in imperialist oppression, we gather together knowing that the strength of this camp comes from the Palestinian people,” the statement added.

The students said “We honour their struggle and their resistance. We learn from their histories, their creativity, and their love.”

“Disclose. Divest. We will not stop, we will not rest. Free Palestine.”

(PC, Anadolu)

10:21 am | Posted in Blog | News | Read More »

Hamas: We Received Israeli Response to Prisoner Exchange Proposal

The Al-Qassam fighter who released Israeli captives may be a woman. (Photo: video grab)

On Friday, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that there are new Qatari-Egyptian efforts underway to try to reach a deal.

The Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas announced on Saturday that it had received Israel’s official response to a prisoner and ceasefire proposal it sent to Egypt and Qatar on April 13.

“Hamas received Israel’s official response to the movement’s proposal delivered to mediators, Egypt and Qatar, on April 13,” Khalil al-Hayya, the group’s deputy head in the Gaza Strip, said in a statement, according to Al-Jazeera.

What Israel Wants from the Ceasefire Negotiations – Top Hamas Official

“The movement will study this proposal, and upon completion, will submit its response to the mediators,” al-Hayya added.

The Israeli response coincided with a visit by a top Egyptian security delegation to Tel Aviv on Friday to discuss a possible Gaza ceasefire, according to Egyptian and Israeli media.

Private broadcaster Al Qahera news TV quoted an unnamed Egyptian source as saying that the delegation will discuss a comprehensive ceasefire framework, saying there was “significant progress” narrowing differences between the Egyptian and Israeli delegations.

Meanwhile, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation reported that security services “believe that this is the last opportunity to return the hostages from Gaza.”

Israeli news website Ynet also confirmed the arrival of an Egyptian delegation in Israel to meet with officials in efforts to achieve a deal.

If Occupation Ends, We Will Not Need Armed Resistance – Top Hamas Official

On Friday, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that there are new Qatari-Egyptian efforts underway to try to reach a deal between Hamas and Israel. 

He added that there is new momentum in talks about conducting a prisoner exchange deal, without providing further details.

Hamas has repeatedly stated that it requires an end to Israel’s genocidal war on the Gaza Strip and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.

Gaza Genocide

Currently on trial before the International Court of Justice for genocide against Palestinians, Israel has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7. 

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 34,388 Palestinians have been killed, and 77,437 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7.

Moreover, at least 7,000 people are unaccounted for, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the Strip. 

Palestinian and international organizations say that the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.

Palestinian Children, Civilians Killed in New Israeli Massacres across Gaza

The Israeli war has resulted in an acute famine, mostly in northern Gaza, resulting in the death of many Palestinians, mostly children. 

The Israeli aggression has also resulted in the forceful displacement of nearly two million people from all over the Gaza Strip, with the vast majority of the displaced forced into the densely crowded southern city of Rafah near the border with Egypt – in what has become Palestine’s largest mass exodus since the 1948 Nakba.

Israel says that 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed during the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on October 7. Israeli media published reports suggesting that many Israelis were killed on that day by ‘friendly fire’. 

(PC, Anadolu)

10:08 am | Posted in Blog | News | Read More »

Palestinian Children, Civilians Killed in New Israeli Massacres across Gaza

Israeli forces continue to carry out massacres in Gaza. (Photo: Mahmoud Ajjour, The Palestine Chronicle)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

Israeli raids in theGaza Strip resulted in the killing of over 30 Palestinians and the wounding of 69 more, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported on Saturday.

At least 15 Palestinians, including eight children, were killed in Israeli raids on the central and southern Gaza Strip, while more bodies continue to be recovered from the sites from which the Israeli occupation army withdrew.

Six civilians, including four children, were killed in an early morning bombing that targeted a residential house in the Saudi neighborhood west of Rafah city.

Additionally, in the southern Gaza Strip, photojournalist Ibrahim Al-Gharbawi was killed in an Israeli bombing on Hamad Town in Khan Yunis, while three other Palestinians were killed in a separate bombing near Faisal School in the Japanese neighborhood.

In the central Gaza Strip, a devastating Israeli raid on a house in the Nuseirat camp claimed the lives of nine civilians, including four children, and left 30 others wounded. 

Rescue efforts managed to retrieve four bodies and rescue several wounded individuals from the rubble hours after the attack.

Following the massacre, Israeli aircraft launched further airstrikes in the vicinity of Nuseirat and the Al-Zawaideh areas. 

Moreover, Israeli artillery bombarded areas north of Nuseirat and Bureij camps, as well as residential areas in Al-Mughraqa town.

On Friday, Israeli airstrikes targeted a building housing displaced persons belonging to the International Red Cross on Al-Wahda Street in central Gaza City, resulting in the killing of three Palestinians.

In the northern Gaza Strip, the Israeli forces reportedly opened fire in the vicinity of Beit Lahia city and east of Jabaliya camp, according to Palestinian sources.

Mass Graves

Meanwhile, Palestinians in Gaza continue the painful task of recovering the bodies of Palestinians following the withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces.

Nesma Al-Halabi, media coordinator for the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights in Gaza, announced on Friday the recovery of 283 bodies from three mass graves discovered in the Strip after Israeli forces withdrew from Al-Shifa Medical Complex, Kamal Adwan Hospital, and Nasser Hospital.

Al-Halabi further stated that 500 people are still missing, raising concerns that they were killed by occupation forces and buried in undiscovered mass graves.

‘Opened Abdomens’ – Suspected Organ Theft from Bodies at Nasser Hospital 

The Palestinian Civil Defense reported the recovery of approximately 400 bodies from three mass graves in the vicinity of Nasser Complex in Khan Yunis since the start of recovery operations a week ago. These mass graves serve as harrowing evidence of Israeli crimes against humanity.

While Washington expressed concern over reports of mass graves in Gaza, requesting information from Israel, other Western countries and international organizations called for an independent investigation.

Gaza Genocide Continues

Currently on trial before the International Court of Justice for genocide against Palestinians, Israel has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7. 

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 34,388 Palestinians have been killed, and 77,437 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7.

Moreover, at least 7,000 people are unaccounted for, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the Strip. 

Palestinian and international organizations say that the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.

GAZA LIVE BLOG: Children Killed in New Massacres | Reports: Halevi to Resign Soon | Hamas: We Received Response – Day 204

The Israeli war has resulted in an acute famine, mostly in northern Gaza, resulting in the death of many Palestinians, mostly children. 

The Israeli aggression has also resulted in the forceful displacement of nearly two million people from all over the Gaza Strip, with the vast majority of the displaced forced into the densely crowded southern city of Rafah near the border with Egypt – in what has become Palestine’s largest mass exodus since the 1948 Nakba.

Israel says that 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed during the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on October 7. Israeli media published reports suggesting that many Israelis were killed on that day by ‘friendly fire’. 

(PC, AJA)

9:56 am | Posted in Blog | News | Read More »

GAZA LIVE BLOG: Children Killed in New Massacres | Reports: Halevi to Resign Soon | Hamas: We Received Response – Day 204

Massive destruction in Gaza. (Photo: Abdallah Aljamal, The Palestine Chronicle)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

The Israeli occupation forces bombed 25 targets in the Gaza Strip in the last 24 hours, killing scores of Palestinian civilians, including children. 

Israeli media reported that Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi’s resignation could be imminent and that discussion is taking place regarding his successor. 

The Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas confirmed it received an official response from the Israeli occupation to its proposal, which was presented to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on April 13.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 34,388 Palestinians have been killed, and 77,437 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7.

Click here for the previous blogs.

LATEST UPDATES

Saturday, April 27, 4:00 pm (GMT+2)

UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA: We notified the demonstrators to disperse the sit-in.

GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY OFFICIAL: Several diseases have spread among the residents of the Strip.

AL-JAZEERA: A Palestinian was killed and others were injured in an Israeli bombing that targeted a house east of the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Saturday, April 27, 3:00 pm (GMT+2)

UN OFFICIAL: The Israeli war on Gaza left 37 million tons of rubble. A large portion of unexploded bombs in the Gaza Strip may take 14 years.

GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: All residents of the Strip drink unsafe water.

Saturday, April 27, 2:00 pm (GMT+2)

AL-JAZEERA: Three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli bombing that targeted a group of citizens near Wadi Gaza, north of the Nuseirat camp.

PRCS (to Al-Jazeera): The occupation deliberately targets rescue and ambulance teams.

NTY (quoting senior US official): Israel believed that Hamas leaders were in Khan Yunis and destroyed the city searching for them but did not find them.

Saturday, April 27, 12:30 pm (GMT+2)

GAZA HEALTH MINISTRY: 34,388 Palestinians have been killed, and 77,437 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7.

Saturday, April 27, 11:30 am (GMT+2)

ISRAELI ARMY: Israeli forces bombed with aircraft a Hezbollah military facility in Al-Rayhan and a military building in Kafr Kila, southern Lebanon.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: 15 Palestinians, including eight children, were killed in Israeli raids on two homes in Rafah and the Nuseirat camp.

AL-JAZEERA: Photojournalist Ibrahim Al-Gharbawi was martyred in an Israeli bombing on Hamad Town in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday, Friday.

HEZBOLLAH: Our forces targeted with missiles new positions of Israeli occupation soldiers west of the Shomera settlement in the Western Galilee, and achieved direct hits.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: Israeli raids targeted the north and east of the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Saturday, April 27, 10:00 am (GMT+2)

ISRAELI ARMY: During the last 24 hours, Israeli forces bombed 25 targets in the Gaza Strip.

PALESTINIAN MEDIA: The number of martyrs of the Israeli bombing of a house west of Rafah had risen to six, including four children.

Saturday, April 27, 09:00 am (GMT+2)

CHANNEL 12: The resignation of Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy is expected and a discussion is taking place regarding his successor.

CYPRUS: aid shipments resumed from Cyprus to Gaza late on Friday evening, with a ship carrying food supplies sailing to the besieged Palestinian Strip after the aid stopped following the killing of 7 aid workers in an Israeli raid.

AL-JAZEERA: Sirens sounded in Shumira in the Western Galilee, northern Israel.

MAYOR OF BEIT LAHIA: the Israeli army has destroyed 70% of the water wells feeding the Palestinian residents of the city.

Saturday, April 27, 04:00 am (GMT+2)

US CENTRAL COMMAND: The Ansarallah fired 3 anti-ship ballistic missiles at two ships in the Red Sea.

AL-JAZEERA: An Israeli raid targeted the town of Al-Zawaida in the central Gaza Strip.

Saturday, April 27, 03:10 am (GMT+2)

HAMAS: We received an official response from the Israeli occupation to the movement’s position on truce, which was presented to Egyptian and Qatari mediators on April 13.

AL-JAZEERA: Renewed Israeli raids on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

(The Palestine Chronicle)

8:36 am | Posted in Blog | News | Slider | Read More »

‘Do you know, O Dad’ – After Murdering Her Father, Daughter of Refaat Alareer Killed in Gaza

Refaat Alareer’s daughter was killed by Israel in Gaza. (Design: Palestine Chronicle)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

Shaymaa Alareer’s death comes less than five months after her father was killed, along with several family members, in a similar airstrike in the Shujaiyya neighborhood last December.

The daughter of acclaimed poet and academic Professor Refaat Alareer, Shaymaa, has been killed along with her husband and their infant son in an Israeli airstrike on their apartment in Gaza City.

Her death on Friday comes less than five months after her father was killed, along with several family members, in a similar airstrike in the Shujaiyya neighborhood last December.

Shaymaa, the eldest daughter of Prof Alareer, who was married to a Palestinian engineer, Mohammed Seyam, gave birth to their first child about four months ago.

A source at the al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City confirmed that their bodies were brought to the hospital “after being extracted from under the rubble of the destroyed house” in the Al-Rimal neighborhood, western Gaza City, the Anadolu news agency reported.

‘Let It Be a Tale’: Israel Kills the Storytellers of Gaza but Will Not Kill the Story

Message to Her Father

When Shaymaa gave birth to her son she wrote to her deceased father, as conveyed by the Resistance News Network through their Telegram channel:

“I have wonderful news for you, and I wished I could convey it to you face-to-face, handing your first grandson to you. Do you know, O Dad, that you have become a grandfather?

“Yes, Dad, this is your first grandson, and he is already over a month old. This is your grandson Abdul Rahman, whom I have always imagined you holding. But I never thought that I might lose you too soon, even before you could meet him.”

‘If I Must Die’ Poem

A writer and intellectual, Alareer taught at the Islamic University of Gaza, and was one of the founders of the We Are Not Numbers project which “tells the stories behind the numbers of Palestinians in the news and advocates for their human rights.”

Before his death, Alareer posted on X a now-famous poem titled ‘If I Must Die’ in which he wrote: “If I must die, you must live to tell my story to sell my things…If I must die let it bring hope let it be a tale.”

As with her father’s death, social media was awash with news of her death, rekindling tributes to her father.

Israel Killed Refaat Alareer in Gaza – These Are Some of His Last Words

‘Fly Kites in Their Honor’

On X, Professor Farhana Sultana of the Syracuse University in the US wrote: “They killed Refaat Alareer’s daughter, the one to whom the poem ‘If I must die’ was dedicated to. His entire bloodline being wiped out. This is genocide. May we all fly kites in their honor, reaching the heavens.”

Ramy Abdu, the chairman of the Geneva-based Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, posted on X: “We mourn with you the loss of Shaymaa, the eldest daughter of our dear friend Rafat Al-Araeer @itranslate123, and her husband, engineer Mohammed Abdel Aziz Siyam, along with their newborn baby, after their apartment near Al-Ramal Clinic in Gaza was targeted in an Israeli airstrike. Shaymaa joined her father Rafat in less than 5 months.”

Following Prof Alareer’s death, Euro-Med Monitor in December called for “an immediate investigation into this apparently deliberate and targeted killing of a prominent Palestinian academic, writer, poet, and activist.”

According to the organization, which collected information from witnesses and family accounts, “the apartment where Refaat and his family were sheltering was surgically bombed out of the entire building where it’s located”.

‘Telling the Story’

“As Gaza keeps gasping for life, we struggle for it to pass, we have no choice but to fight back and tell her stories. For Palestine,” Alareer wrote in his contribution in the volume ‘Light in Gaza: Writing Born of Fire’.

In a poignant tribute to the storytellers of Gaza, Palestine Chronicle Editor Ramzy Baroud wrote that Alareer “edited several books, including ‘Gaza Writes Back’ and ‘Gaza Unsilenced’, which also allowed him to take the message of other Palestinian intellectuals in Gaza to the rest of the world.

“These storytellers were all killed by Israel, with the hope that the stories will die with them. But Israel will fail because the collective story is bigger than all of us. A nation that has produced the likes of Ghassan Kanafani, Basil al-Araj and Refaat Alareer will always produce great intellectuals, who will serve the historic role of telling the story of Palestine and her liberation.”

(The Palestine Chronicle)

7:41 pm | Posted in Blog | News | Read More »

Itamar Ben-Gvir Injured in Car Accident – Developing Story

Itamar Ben-Gvir was involved in a car accident in the city of Ramla. (Photo: via social media)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

According to KAN, Ben-Gvir’s car ran a red light, causing a traffic accident that led to the vehicle’s overturning. 

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir was injured in a car accident on Friday in the city of Ramla, near the site of an alleged stabbing operation.

The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) said that Ben-Gvir was slightly injured, while Channel 12 reported that the injury was between minor and moderate. 

Palestinian sources in the Resistance News Network, however, have claimed that the far-right Israeli politician’s injuries are serious.

According to KAN, Ben-Gvir’s car ran a red light, causing a traffic accident that led to the vehicle’s overturning. 

Israeli media further reported, citing Ben-Gvir’s office, that the minister’s daughter, his guard, and his driver were also injured in the accident.

Ben-Gvir was transferred to the Assaf Harofeh Medical Center, near Tel Aviv to receive treatment.

A stabbing operation had allegedly been carried out soon before the accident in the city of Ramla, according to Israeli media. 

Israeli media said that a Jewish settler was seriously injured in the attack and the suspect was killed by Israeli forces. 

Who is Itamar Ben-Gvir?

Extremist politician Itamar Ben-Gvir has been Israel’s security minister for over a year now.

Ben-Gvir had a long track record of racism against Palestinians prior to becoming one of the most powerful men in Israeli politics. 

He also had a lengthy criminal record, having picked up over 50 charges for everything from supporting a terrorist group to inciting racism. 

What Has Ben-Gvir Been Up To? A Glimpse into Israeli Minister’s War Activities

A trained lawyer, leader of the Oztma Yehudit (Jewish Power) Party went from being a fringe activist living in one of the most extreme illegal settlements in the West Bank, to being in the position of overseeing the Israeli border police of the occupied territory and creating a state-funded ultra-nationalist militia; the National Guard.

Israel’s infamous national security minister openly advocates for ethnically cleansing Palestinians from the territories Israel occupied in June of 1967.

Since the beginning of the Israeli war on Gaza, Ben-Gvir has advocated to continue the war at all costs. 

(The Palestine Chronicle)

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‘Only Talk with Bombs’ – Smotrich Urges Mossad to Eliminate Hamas Leaders

Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich. (Image: Palestine Chronicle)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

“The time has come for the Mossad to return to doing what it was trained to do – to eliminate the heads of Hamas all over the world.”

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called on the Mossad intelligence agency to “eliminate” the leaders of the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas and to completely destroy the Gaza Strip.

“The time has come for the Mossad to return to doing what it was trained to do – to eliminate the heads of Hamas all over the world and not in negotiations that are conducted irresponsibly and harm Israel’s security,” Smotrich said on X on Thursday.

His remarks followed local media reports detailing an Israeli initiative proposed by negotiators that was presented to the Security Cabinet regarding a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, according to the Anadolu news agency.

“With Hamas from now on we should only talk with shells and bombs,” Smotrich added.

He also called for Israeli forces to enter the southern Gaza town of Rafah ”as fast and as strongly as possible,” adding “and then continue with the Strip until its complete destruction.”

“This is essential for Israel’s security and it is also the only chance to return the abductees. Enough for wasting time and shuffling,” continued Smotrich.

New Proposed Deal

Israel’s war cabinet revealed a new proposed deal Thursday for a prisoner exchange with Hamas and a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli media.

The new initiative, which hasn’t been officially announced yet, reportedly demands that Hamas release over 20 Israeli captives, Anadolu reported, citing Israel’s Channel 13.

The deal may not encompass the release of the 40 hostages Israel had sought in previous weeks, according to the channel.

‘Serious Rights Abuses’ – EU, US Sanction Extremist Jewish Settlers and Groups 

The channel alleged that Egypt is gearing up to push for the deal, with an Egyptian envoy set to arrive in Israel on Friday to discuss the details. However, there has been no official statement from Cairo on the channel’s report as yet, reported Anadolu.

Qatar, Egypt and the US are trying to reach a hostage swap deal and cease-fire in Gaza as the first pause in fighting lasted only a week in late November last year. This resulted in limited aid entering the Gaza Strip as well as exchanges of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, mostly women and children detained in Israeli jails.

Hamas demands an end to Israel’s deadly offensive on Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory for any hostage-prisoner swap deal with Tel Aviv.

Threats to PA

Smotrich on Thursday also called for the Palestinian Authority to be toppled if it continues to seek recognition at the UN and the arrest of Israelis by international bodies, Israeli media reported, according to the Middle East Monitor (MEMO).

In an open letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Smotrich also warned that if orders are issued to arrest senior Israeli officials and soldiers, he will halt the transfer of funds to the PA.

US to Sanction Israeli Military Unit over West Bank Rights Abuses – Report

The PA “draws encouragement and legitimacy for its actions from the Biden administration’s turning its back on Israel in legal contexts through the imposition of sanctions on the settlers, and apparently also on the IDF, as well as from the harsh tones of the leaders of European countries against Israel in the context of the war in Gaza,” the Times of Israel quoted Smotrich saying.

The paper said the letter came “the day after the US State Department denounced as ‘dangerous and reckless’ Smotrich’s reported plans to legalize dozens of currently illegal West Bank settlement outposts.”

Settler Sanctions

Washington as well as the European Union have issued sanctions against extremist Jewish settlers and organizations in the West Bank, citing serious human rights abuses against Palestinians.

Under the terms of the 1993 Oslo Accords, Israel collects tax on behalf of the Palestinians and makes monthly transfers to the PA pending the approval of the Ministry of Finance.

Israel has repeatedly withheld some or all of the tax money claiming it is being used to “fund terrorism” without providing evidence for its claims, reported MEMO.

US Will Not Sanction Israeli Battalions despite Admitting Human Rights Violations – Report

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was poised to announce sanctions against the Israeli army’s ‘Netzah Yehuda’ battalion for human rights violations in the occupied West Bank, the American news website Axios reported.

However, the US has since decided that three military battalions, including Netzah Yehuda, will not be sanctioned, the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) reported on Friday.

According to ABC, the battalions will remain eligible for US military aid “because of steps Israel says it’s taking to address the problem.”

Gaza Death Toll

Currently on trial before the International Court of Justice for genocide against Palestinians, Israel has been waging a devastating war on Gaza since October 7.

According to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, 34,356 Palestinians have been killed, and 77,368 wounded in Israel’s ongoing genocide in Gaza starting on October 7.

Moreover, at least 7,000 people are unaccounted for, presumed dead under the rubble of their homes throughout the Strip.

Palestinian and international organizations say that the majority of those killed and wounded are women and children.

GAZA LIVE BLOG: Hezbollah’s ‘Complex Operation’ | Nuseirat under Attack | Egyptian Delegation to Arrive in Israel – Day 203

The Israeli war has resulted in an acute famine, mostly in northern Gaza, resulting in the death of many Palestinians, mostly children.

The Israeli aggression has also resulted in the forceful displacement of nearly two million people from all over the Gaza Strip, with the vast majority of the displaced forced into the densely crowded southern city of Rafah near the border with Egypt – in what has become Palestine’s largest mass exodus since the 1948 Nakba.

Israel says that 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed during the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation on October 7. Israeli media published reports suggesting that many Israelis were killed on that day by ‘friendly fire’.

(PC, Anadolu, MEMO)

4:46 pm | Posted in Blog | News | Read More »
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