Accept Biden proposal, Israeli captive families tell govt - Newstrends
Connect with us

International

Accept Biden proposal, Israeli captive families tell govt

Published

on

Palestinians make their way, as they inspect the damage after Israeli forces withdrew from the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern Gaza Strip [Mahmoud Issa/Reuters]

Accept Biden proposal, Israeli captive families tell govt

Family members of Israeli captives held in Gaza have called on their country’s government to accept a ceasefire plan presented by United States President Joe Biden, calling on the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to publicly support the proposal.

In a weekly press conference held on Saturday, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum said that it was calling for the “the citizens of Israel to take to the streets in order to ensure the completion of the deal”.

The forum believes that Netanyahu may be obstructing a deal, after Biden said in a news conference at the White House on Friday that Israel had put forward “a comprehensive new proposal” to end the war.

The three-phase plan described by Biden seeks to implement a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip that involves the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza and the release of all Israelis held captive in the strip.

Hamas has indicated that it is open to the proposal, raising hopes of a halt to Israel’s eight-month war.

In a statement, the group said it “reaffirms its readiness to positively engage and cooperate with any proposal based on the foundation of a permanent ceasefire, complete withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, reconstruction, the return of displaced people to their homes, and the completion of a genuine prisoner exchange deal, provided that the occupation announces its explicit commitment to this”.

And in a joint statement, the US, Qatar, and Egypt jointly called on Hamas and Israel to finalise an agreement.

But on Saturday, Netanyahu was adamant in declaring that for Israel’s war on Gaza to end, Hamas must be destroyed.

READ ALSO:

“Israel’s conditions for ending the war have not changed: the destruction of Hamas’s military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel,” his office said in a statement.

It said those conditions must be met, “before a permanent ceasefire is put in place”.

“The notion that Israel will agree to a permanent ceasefire before these conditions are fulfilled is a non-starter,” it added.

The Hostage and Missing Families Forum said that Netanyahu was under pressure from within his own government.

“There is a minority that is blackmailing Netanyahu and threatening the deal, and we must support the deal and not leave the arena to extremists,” a spokesperson said.

In a post on the social media platform X, American news publication Axios reported that Israel’s ultranationalist ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich have told Netanyahu that they will leave the coalition and topple the government if the proposal for the hostage deal presented by Biden goes through.

Abdullah al-Arian, professor of history at Georgetown University in Qatar, pointed out a “major contradiction” in Israel’s demands, with both Israel and its staunch ally the US saying they do not want a future in Gaza in which Hamas has any kind of political role left.

“At the same time, this is an agreement that would have to be reached through negotiations with Hamas, so, how do you do that? How do you eliminate them as a political force and at the same time reach a negotiated solution that is agreed upon by all parties,” he told Al Jazeera.

Another “major sticking point” to an eventual deal would be Israel remaining as an occupying force in some parts of Gaza, which he said Palestinians have continuously rejected.

Alon Liel, former director of Israel’s foreign ministry, said Biden’s announcement was “music to the ears of the Israelis who want to end the war”.

READ ALSO:

But, there is a “mixed message again coming from Washington,” he told Al Jazeera. “The surprising thing was that [the ceasefire proposal] was described as an Israeli offer. This contradicts many things that Netanyahu said recently; it looks more like an American offer that is presented as an Israeli one,” Liel said.

The armed group Palestinian Islamic Jihad, meanwhile, expressed “suspicion” of the plan announced by Biden saying the “cessation of aggression” must involve “complete withdrawal” of Israeli forces from Gaza.

Blinken lobbies Middle East leaders

Even as Biden presented the new plan, Israel continued its deadly attacks in Gaza, with artillery fire hitting residential buildings in the northern neighbourhoods of Gaza City, killing several Palestinians.

Another early morning Israeli strike in Gaza City also killed a journalist, identified as Ola al-Dahdouh, according to the Palestinian TV channel Al-Aqsa.

Israeli forces also hammered Rafah in southern Gaza with tanks and artillery, while witnesses in the east and centre of Rafah described intense artillery shelling.

In the shadow of the continuous Israeli bombardment, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held discussions with the top diplomats of Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Turkey amid efforts to gather support for the new Gaza ceasefire plan.

READ ALSO:

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud received a call from Blinken, during which they discussed the latest proposal, the Saudi state news agency said.

According to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, Blinken “emphasised that Hamas should accept the deal without delay”, in those telephone calls from his plane as he returned from a NATO meeting in Prague.

“[Blinken] underscored that the proposal is in the interests of both Israelis and Palestinians, as well as the long-term security of the region,” Miller added.

In Israel, opposition leader Yair Lapid urged Netanyahu to agree to the deal, saying his party would support it even if right-wing factions in the governing coalition rebelled, meaning a deal would likely pass in parliament.

“The government of Israel cannot ignore President Biden’s consequential speech. There is a deal on the table and it should be made,” Lapid said in a social media post on Saturday.

Families of the people held captive in Gaza also called on all parties to immediately back the proposal outlined by Biden, warning that time was running out with the onus on both Israel and Hamas to accept the deal.

Meanwhile, Indonesia’s president-elect, Prabowo Subianto, welcomed Biden’s ceasefire proposal as a step in the right direction. He said his country is willing to send peacekeeping troops to maintain a ceasefire in Gaza if required.

“When needed and when requested by the UN, we are prepared to contribute significant peacekeeping forces to maintain and monitor this prospective ceasefire as well as providing protection and security to all parties and to all sides,” he told a security conference in Singapore on Saturday.

Israeli attacks on Gaza since the start of the war have killed at least 36,379 people and wounded 82,407 others, with thousands more missing under the rubble and presumed dead. Israel launched its assault on the besieged territory after a Hamas-led attack in southern Israel killed about 1,140 people.

 

Accept Biden proposal, Israeli captive families tell govt

SOURCE: AL JAZEERA AND NEWS AGENCIES

Loading

International

 Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme

Published

on

 Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme

In a landmark ruling, ten Nigerians have been convicted in the United States for their roles in a sprawling international fraud scheme that resulted in the theft of approximately $215 million from unsuspecting victims across the country and abroad. The convictions, handed down by federal courts in several jurisdictions, shed light on the sophisticated tactics used by fraudsters in the digital age.

The scheme, which spanned several years, involved a multifaceted approach to deception, utilizing romance scams, business email compromise, and identity theft to exploit vulnerable individuals and businesses. Prosecutors revealed that the defendants, often working in coordinated teams, crafted elaborate stories and false identities to gain the trust of their victims, some of whom believed they were engaging in legitimate business dealings or developing romantic relationships.

According to court documents, the fraudsters utilized a range of technologies, including fake websites, cloned email addresses, and social media profiles, to perpetrate their crimes. Victims were lulled into a false sense of security before being induced to transfer large sums of money under various pretenses, including investment opportunities and fictitious emergencies.

The investigation, led by the FBI and other agencies, unveiled a complex web of financial transactions that traversed multiple countries. Authorities discovered that the stolen funds were often laundered through a network of shell companies, making it challenging to trace the money back to the criminals. In addition to the Nigerian nationals, several accomplices in other countries were implicated, leading to ongoing investigations and arrests.

During the trial, the prosecution presented a wealth of evidence, including testimonies from victims who described the devastating emotional and financial impact of the fraud. Some victims reported losing their life savings, while others faced severe emotional distress due to the betrayal and manipulation involved.

In their defense, some of the convicted individuals claimed ignorance of the broader scheme, arguing that they were merely following orders from a higher authority. However, the jury found them guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy to commit wire fraud, mail fraud, and money laundering.

U.S. Attorney [Name] stated, “This ruling sends a clear message that we will not tolerate fraud in any form. These individuals took advantage of the trust of their victims for personal gain, and they will face the consequences of their actions.”

Sentencing for the ten defendants is expected to take place in the coming months, with potential penalties including substantial prison time and restitution payments to the victims. The case underscores the growing threat posed by international fraud rings, particularly in an increasingly digital world.

Experts in cybersecurity and fraud prevention warn that individuals should remain vigilant against unsolicited communications and always verify the authenticity of requests for funds or personal information. As law enforcement continues to crack down on such schemes, victims are encouraged to report suspicious activity to the authorities.

This case serves as a reminder of the need for ongoing vigilance in the fight against cybercrime and the importance of educating the public about potential scams.

 

 Ten Nigerians Convicted in Massive $215 Million International Fraud Scheme

Loading

Continue Reading

International

Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over ‘Terminated’ Iran War Claim

Published

on

U.S. President Donald Trump
US President, Donald Trump

Trump Administration Says Iran War ‘Terminated’ Ahead of Congressional Deadline

Washington, D.C. — The administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump has asserted that the ongoing military conflict with Iran was effectively “terminated” before the expiration of a 60-day deadline requiring congressional authorization, setting up a contentious legal and political battle in Washington.

Senior administration officials argue that a ceasefire reached in early April brought an end to active hostilities, thereby rendering the requirements of the War Powers Resolution inapplicable. According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, the absence of recent exchanges of fire signifies that the United States is no longer engaged in active combat operations against Iran.

“The conflict, as defined under the War Powers framework, has ceased,” an official familiar with the administration’s position said. “There are no ongoing hostilities that would trigger the need for congressional authorization.”

The War Powers Resolution of 1973 mandates that the president must seek approval from Congress within 60 days of committing U.S. forces to armed conflict, or otherwise withdraw those forces. That deadline, tied to the recent escalation with Iran, was expected to fall on May 1, 2026.

However, the administration maintains that the ceasefire effectively halted the legal clock, arguing that the absence of sustained combat operations means the United States is no longer in a state of war requiring legislative oversight.

The position has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers on Capitol Hill, including members of both major political parties. Critics contend that a ceasefire does not equate to a formal end of hostilities, particularly if U.S. forces remain deployed in the region or continue enforcement measures such as naval blockades.

“Calling it ‘terminated’ doesn’t make it so,” one congressional aide said. “If U.S. forces are still engaged in activities that could lead to conflict, then Congress has a constitutional role to play.”

Legal scholars have also weighed in, noting that the interpretation of what constitutes “hostilities” under the War Powers Resolution has long been a gray area. Some argue that even limited military actions or strategic posturing could fall within the scope of the law, thereby requiring congressional approval.

The debate underscores a broader and longstanding tension between the executive and legislative branches over war-making powers. While presidents have often sought to expand their authority in matters of national security, Congress has periodically pushed back to assert its constitutional prerogative to declare war.

For now, the administration’s stance appears aimed at avoiding an immediate vote in Congress that could either authorize continued operations or compel a withdrawal of U.S. forces. Whether lawmakers will challenge this interpretation through legislation or legal action remains to be seen.

The situation continues to evolve, with implications not only for U.S.-Iran relations but also for the balance of power within the American government.

 

Trump Administration Faces Backlash Over ‘Terminated’ Iran War Claim

Loading

Continue Reading

International

Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School

Published

on

Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School 

A violent stabbing incident at Henry Foss High School in Tacoma has left six people injured, including the suspected attacker, authorities have confirmed.

The attack, which occurred during school hours on Thursday, April 30, 2026, sent shockwaves through the school community and prompted an immediate lockdown of the campus as emergency responders rushed to the scene.

According to local law enforcement officials, the victims include four students and one adult security staff member. The sixth injured individual is the suspect, believed to be a student of the school. All victims were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. While some were initially reported to be in critical condition, authorities later indicated that all injured persons are now in stable condition.

Police say the suspect has been taken into custody and is expected to face multiple charges related to assault. Officials have not yet released the identity of the suspect due to legal considerations.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the incident may have stemmed from an altercation between students, which escalated into violence. However, investigators have emphasized that the exact motive remains unclear, and a full inquiry is ongoing.

In the immediate aftermath of the attack, school authorities activated emergency safety protocols, placing the campus on lockdown to secure students and staff. Parents were notified, and a controlled dismissal process was later implemented to ensure student safety.

Local education officials have announced that classes and extracurricular activities at the school will be temporarily suspended. Counseling services and psychological support are also being made available to students, staff, and families affected by the incident.

Community leaders and law enforcement agencies have condemned the attack, reiterating the importance of school safety and conflict resolution among students. Authorities have urged anyone with additional information to come forward as the investigation continues.

The incident adds to growing concerns over safety in schools and highlights the need for proactive measures to prevent violence among young people.

Six Injured in Stabbing Incident at Washington High School

Loading

Continue Reading
HostArmada Affordable Cloud SSD Shared Hosting
HostArmada - Affordable Cloud SSD Web Hosting

Trending