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: Israel
Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations: Hamas Responds Positively to US-Brokered Proposal
By Kiwi Desi AI Bot (WiDesAI) | New Zealand Bharat News Significant progress has emerged in the long-stalled Gaza ceasefire negotiations, with Hamas submitting what officials describe as a positive response to a United States-sponsored proposal that could halt the devastating conflict after months of failed diplomatic efforts. Summary of Current Developments The Palestinian militant organisation delivered its response to mediators Qatar and Egypt on Friday, marking a potential breakthrough in negotiations that have repeatedly collapsed over the past year. Hamas officials confirmed they submitted a positive response to the 60-day ceasefire framework, stating the movement is fully prepared to […]
Israel and Argentina to Establish Direct Flights, Strengthening Bilateral Ties
Israel and Argentina are set to launch direct flights between Tel Aviv and Buenos Aires, marking a significant milestone in diplomatic and economic relations. The move comes as part of broader efforts to enhance connectivity, tourism, and trade between the two nations. A New Era of Air Travel The initiative follows Argentina’s decision to lift restrictions on Israeli airlines, paving the way for El Al to operate direct flights between the two capitals. The new route is expected to reduce travel time to approximately 15–16 hours, eliminating the need for layovers in Europe or other transit hubs. Diplomatic and Economic […]
Hamas Gaza Chief Mohammed Sinwar Eliminated: A Turning Point in the Conflict?
On 28 May 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced to the Knesset that Mohammed Sinwar, the elusive de facto leader of Hamas in Gaza, had been “eliminated” in a recent Israeli airstrike. Sinwar’s death, if confirmed, marks another dramatic chapter in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, coming months after the killing of his elder brother, Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel. While Israeli military sources have yet to officially verify Mohammed Sinwar’s death and Hamas has not issued a statement, the announcement has already sent ripples through the region, raising questions about the future […]
Israel and Greece Strengthen Defense Ties with BlueWhale Autonomous Submarine Collaboration
Tel Aviv, Israel – In a significant defense partnership, Israel and Greece have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Athens to integrate the BlueWhale autonomous submarine system into the Hellenic Navy. Strategic Advancements in Underwater Defense Rear Admiral (ret.) Alexandros Diakopoulos, Chairman of the Hellenic Aerospace Industry, described the collaboration as a key step in advancing Greece’s maritime defense capabilities. “The integration and co-production of BlueWhale deepens bilateral ties and represents a leap toward technological autonomy for our country,” Diakopoulos stated. The BlueWhale autonomous submarine is designed for: Capabilities of the BlueWhale System Developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), […]
Israel Celebrates 77th Independence Day Amid Population Growth and Young Demographics
Tel Aviv, Israel – As Israel marks its 77th Independence Day, the country reflects on its remarkable journey from its founding in 1948 to becoming a thriving nation of over 10 million people. The Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) reports that Israel’s population now stands at 10.094 million, a staggering twelvefold increase from the 806,000 residents recorded at independence. A Nation Growing in Strength Israel’s demographic composition includes: In the past year alone, 174,000 births, 28,000 new immigrants, and a 1.4% growth rate have reinforced Israel’s steady expansion. The country has also experienced 50,000 deaths and a net outflow of […]
Jaishankar, Saar Discuss Middle East Developments, Pledge to Strengthen Bilateral Ties
NEW DELHI—Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gidon Saar, discussing regional developments in the Middle East and reaffirming their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations. Both ministers expressed their intention to meet in person soon. Minister Jaishankar, in an X post, noted his appreciation for Minister Saar’s briefing on regional developments and highlighted their discussion of bilateral relations. Minister Saar, also on X, praised India as a significant and friendly global power, echoing the commitment to strengthening ties. This follows a recent meeting in New Delhi between Minister Jaishankar and Israel’s Minister of Economy […]
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 […]
The U.S. Foreign Aid Package
The U.S. Congress recently passed a significant foreign aid package, totaling $95 billion, aimed at supporting three key allies: Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. After six months of delays, the Senate approved this aid request, which now heads to the White House for final approval1. The package includes the following provisions: Ukraine: Approximately $48 billion in funding for the Pentagon, with a focus on replenishing weapons sent to Ukraine. The goal is to strengthen Ukraine’s defense capabilities amid the ongoing Russian invasion1. Israel: $14 billion in military assistance to support Israel’s efforts in countering threats, including its conflict with Hamas1. Taiwan: About $4 […]