Badenoch knocks Starmer over recognition of Palestinian state - Newstrends
Connect with us

International

Badenoch knocks Starmer over recognition of Palestinian state

Published

on

Kemi Badenoch
Kemi Badenoch

Badenoch knocks Starmer over recognition of Palestinian state

The UK’s Conservative Party Leader, Kemi Badenoch, has fiercely criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s decision to formally recognize the State of Palestine, describing it as “absolutely disastrous” and a move that rewards terrorism without addressing the plight of hostages in Gaza or the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.

In a statement on her X page on Sunday, Badenoch, MP for North West Essex, accused Starmer of lacking a coherent plan for the country and instead pandering to “the hobbyhorses of the Labour left” to maintain power.

“Rewarding terrorism with no conditions whatsoever put in place for Hamas leaves hostages languishing in Gaza and does nothing to stop the suffering of innocent people caught in this war,” Badenoch wrote.

The UK government, along with its Canadian and Australian counterparts, announced formal recognition of the state of Palestine yesterday, in keeping with their earlier threat to do so if the Israeli government failed to take steps to resolve the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip and commit to a long-term peace process that would result in a Palestinian state coexisting with Israel.

In a post on X, the UK’s PM, Keir Starmer, said, “In the face of the growing horror in the Middle East, we are acting to keep alive the possibility of peace and a two-state solution.”

READ ALSO:

The decision has sparked outrage from the Israeli government, families of hostages held in Gaza, and some conservatives.

Sir Keir insisted that the decision “is not a reward for Hamas” because it means Hamas could have “no future, no role in government, no role in security.

“Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of [Hamas’s] hateful vision. The move is a pledge to the Palestinian and Israeli people that there can be a better future.”

He said the “starvation and devastation [in Gaza] are utterly intolerable,” adding that “the death and destruction horrify all of us.”

Badenoch argued that Labour’s recognition of Palestine was part of a broader pattern of misplaced priorities, adding:

“They cannot fix the NHS, so they push assisted suicide. They cannot create jobs for young people, so they give them votes at 16. They cannot sort out immigration, but they will recognize Palestine instead.”

Badenoch also criticized Starmer’s record in international affairs, citing the payment of £35 billion in reparations to Mauritius and the surrender of the Chagos Islands as examples of poor judgment.

“Everything we are seeing is a consequence of a prime minister who has no plan for the country and no judgement,” Badanoch said.

“He will spend the next four years delivering the hobbyhorses of the Labour left to stay in power and leave a huge mess for us to clean up.”

Starmer, MP for Holborn and St Pancras, has previously stated that the UK’s recognition of Palestine was intended to revive “the hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis, and a two-state solution.”

Ministers, on the other hand, maintained that it was their moral role to keep prospects for long-term peace alive.

Efforts to establish a cease-fire in Gaza, much less a long-term resolution to the Israel-Palestine issue, have failed.

Badenoch knocks Starmer over recognition of Palestinian state

International

7‑Month‑Old Baby Killed in Brooklyn Stroller Shooting, Suspect in Custody

Published

on

7‑Month‑Old Baby Killed in Brooklyn Stroller Shooting

7‑Month‑Old Baby Killed in Brooklyn Stroller Shooting, Suspect in Custody

Brooklyn — A 7‑month‑old baby girl was tragically shot and killed while sitting in her stroller in broad daylight in Brooklyn, New York, in what police believe was a gang-related shooting. The infant, identified as Kaori Patterson-Moore, was being pushed by her parents in the East Williamsburg neighbourhood when the shooting occurred around 1:20 p.m. on Wednesday near the intersection of Humboldt and Moore Streets.

According to the New York City Police Department (NYPD), surveillance footage shows two men riding a moped against traffic when the passenger fired “at least two rounds” toward a street corner where several adults and children, including the baby, were present. The moped later crashed into a car, and the suspected shooter was taken into custody. Police are still searching for the second suspect, who remains at large, describing the ongoing investigation as a “massive manhunt.”

Kaori was hit by a stray bullet to the head and rushed to Woodhull Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her 2-year-old brother, also in the stroller, was grazed by a bullet but survived. Police say the baby was an unintended target, highlighting the tragic impact of gun violence on innocent civilians.

READ ALSO:

Witnesses described the chaotic scene as Kaori’s parents ran into a nearby shop for cover. Only after reaching safety did they realize the baby had been hit. Footage shows Kaori’s mother visibly distressed, realizing her child had suffered fatal injuries. (abc7ny.com)

NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch called the incident “unspeakable” and said investigators are pursuing all leads to locate the second suspect. Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the attack as a “devastating reminder” of the need to combat gun violence in New York City. (1011now.com)

One suspect, identified as 21-year-old Amare Green, was hospitalized after the moped crash and taken into custody, though his arrest was initially linked to an unrelated investigation. Formal charges for murder and attempted murder are expected. Police have released descriptions of the second suspect and are urging anyone with information to come forward.

Kaori’s mother, Lianna Charles-Moore, tearfully recounted her grief, saying she will never again hold, feed, or care for her daughter. Community members, along with city officials, have expressed condolences and emphasised the urgent need for stronger measures to reduce gun violence. (abc7chicago.com)

7‑Month‑Old Baby Killed in Brooklyn Stroller Shooting, Suspect in Custody

Continue Reading

International

Trump Leaves Key Questions Unanswered as Iran War Enters Second Month

Published

on

US President Donald Trump

Trump Leaves Key Questions Unanswered as Iran War Enters Second Month

US President Donald Trump addressed the nation from the White House on Wednesday evening in a 20-minute primetime speech aimed at reassuring Americans about the ongoing Iran war, but the address offered little clarity on the conflict’s trajectory. Analysts and allies say it largely repeated statements the president has made on Truth Social over the past week, leaving key questions unresolved.

Trump claimed the core strategic objectives of the joint U.S.–Israeli operation were “nearing completion” after a month of military engagement and projected that the war could last “another two to three weeks.” He also reiterated previous threats to strike Iran “back to the Stone Age,” reinforcing his hardline stance.

The president attempted to justify the war by describing it as an investment in America’s future, comparing it favorably to historical conflicts in which the United States became embroiled for longer periods. He urged Americans to support the operation despite polls showing a majority disapprove of the military action that began on February 28.

Despite these assertions, Trump left multiple critical issues unaddressed. Israeli forces continue to attack Iranian targets while defending against drone and missile strikes, including attacks in Tel Aviv on Wednesday just hours before Passover. It remains unclear whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agrees with Trump’s timetable for the conflict, raising questions about coordination between allies.

READ ALSO:

There was also no mention of the 15-point peace plan the White House had recently proposed for Iran, including demands on enriched uranium and other nuclear safeguards. Observers are left unsure whether Washington intends to pursue these demands or has modified its strategy.

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping corridor effectively blocked by Iran, was addressed only vaguely. Trump alternated between calling for allies to protect the strait themselves and suggesting it would reopen “naturally” once the war concludes, a statement analysts say is unlikely to calm market and geopolitical concerns.

Questions remain about U.S. ground troops in the region. Thousands of marines and paratroopers are continuing to arrive, but the president did not clarify their roles or long-term engagement plans. Similarly, conflicting statements about Iran’s nuclear program and the retrieval of enriched uranium signal inconsistency in the administration’s strategic objectives.

Economic concerns loom large. U.S. gas prices have risen above $4 per gallon for the first time in nearly four years, while the president’s approval ratings are declining ahead of critical midterm elections. Trump’s address may have reassured some, but it did little to answer fundamental questions about the conflict or offer a credible exit strategy.

Observers warn that with Trump’s often contradictory messaging, plans could change rapidly, leaving both the American public and international partners uncertain about the next steps in the war with Iran.

Trump Leaves Key Questions Unanswered as Iran War Enters Second Month

Continue Reading

International

Trump Sacks Pam Bondi, Names Todd Blanche Acting Attorney General

Published

on

US President Donald Trump and sacked Attorney General Pam Bondi
US President Donald Trump and sacked Attorney General Pam Bondi

Trump Sacks Pam Bondi, Names Todd Blanche Acting Attorney General

US President Donald Trump has announced the dismissal of Attorney General Pam Bondi, naming Todd Blanche as Acting Attorney General in a significant shake-up within the administration.

The development was disclosed on Thursday via Trump’s Truth Social platform, where he confirmed that Bondi would be leaving government to take up a new role in the private sector.

In his statement, Trump praised Bondi’s service, describing her as a “great American patriot” and a loyal ally who had “faithfully served” as Attorney General over the past year. He added that she would soon transition into what he called a “much-needed and important” private-sector position.

Trump also announced that Blanche, who previously served as Deputy Attorney General and had worked as his personal lawyer, would immediately step in as Acting Attorney General. The president described him as a “very talented and respected legal mind.”

READ ALSO:

The Trump fires Pam Bondi decision comes amid growing scrutiny surrounding her tenure. While Trump credited her with overseeing a sweeping crime crackdown in the United States and claimed murder rates had fallen significantly, critics have questioned those assertions and pointed to controversies within the Justice Department.

Bondi’s time in office drew criticism over alleged politicisation of the United States Department of Justice, particularly in relation to sensitive investigations, including matters linked to convicted financier Jeffrey Epstein. Reports suggest internal tensions and disagreements over high-profile cases may have influenced her removal.

Her departure is part of a broader pattern of changes within the administration. In March, Trump removed Kristi Noem as head of the United States Department of Homeland Security, with Markwayne Mullin stepping in as her replacement.

With Blanche now leading the Justice Department in an acting capacity, attention is turning to who Trump may nominate as a permanent Attorney General. Analysts say the move underscores Trump’s reliance on trusted legal allies as he navigates ongoing political and legal challenges.

Further details about Bondi’s next role in the private sector are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.

Trump Sacks Pam Bondi, Names Todd Blanche Acting Attorney General

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

Trending