By Tracey Wilson | NZB News New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has delivered his strongest criticism yet of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, declaring he has “lost the plot” and condemning Israel’s planned military takeover of Gaza City as “utterly, utterly unacceptable.” The remarkably blunt assessment from New Zealand’s conservative leader has triggered a diplomatic spat and highlighted the country’s evolving position on the Middle East conflict. Speaking to media on Wednesday, Luxon did not mince words about Netanyahu’s leadership amid Israel’s continuing military operations in Gaza. “I think Netanyahu has gone too far. I think he has lost […]
Tag: Gaza
Hamas Responds Positively to Gaza Ceasefire Proposal as Diplomatic Breakthrough Emerges
By Imogen KingNZB News International Affairs Correspondent Hamas has submitted what it describes as a “positive response” to a United States-brokered 60-day ceasefire proposal for Gaza, marking a significant breakthrough in efforts to halt the devastating 21-month conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of lives. The militant group announced on Friday that it was “fully prepared to immediately enter into a round of negotiations regarding the mechanism for implementing this framework,” following months of stalled talks and failed diplomatic initiatives. The development comes after Israel had previously accepted the American-sponsored proposal, bringing both sides closer to formal negotiations than […]
Gaza War: Israel Takes Control of Rafah Crossing; Aid Groups Warn of ‘Catastrophe
Photo courtesy: NPR Overview: The Israeli military has intensified its actions in the Gaza Strip, particularly in the southern town of Rafah. After a night of airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave, Israeli tanks entered Rafah and seized control of the crucial Rafah border crossing with Egypt. This development occurred amidst ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. Mediators are struggling to secure a ceasefire agreement, but tensions persist as the conflict enters its eighth month. Key Points: Israeli forces took “operational control” of the Rafah crossing, which serves as the primary route for aid entering the besieged Gaza […]