Gaza

According to the US-based Gaza-born scholar, Hamas is seeking to "restore complete monopoly" over the territory and in weapons. To this end, it is “killing and torturing other Palestinians” on the pretext that they collaborated with Israel. A mission is needed "to enforce law and order” to “protect Palestinians”. Among the people he talks to in Gaza, “there's a sense of fear that we are going back to October 6th”.

Israel’s prime minister pulls out from the signing of the agreement, ostensibly because of a Jewish holiday, but the most likely reason is the presence of Palestinian Mahmoud Abbas. Israeli media announced a historic visit by Indonesian President Prabowo to Israel tomorrow, which Indonesia’s foreign ministry quickly denied. Modi snubs the summit, sending his Minister of State for External Affairs.

Speaking to AsiaNews, Yonatan Zeigen calls for breaking the mould of a country at war where time has stood still since the tragedy of 7 October. The time has come to think about the present and the future, beyond Trump's peace deal, and imagine a "different vision" based on "equality" between the two peoples. Now a new leadership, a new government, a new mindset are needed for both Israelis and Palestinians.

AsiaNews publishes the thoughts on the Gaza peace deal (in its first phase) by the political activist and mediator. A key player in the release of Israeli soldier Shalit, he has worked behind the scenes in recent months to achieve a ceasefire. Against the backdrop of Biden's weakness, the Netanyahu government's war at all costs, and Trump's strength in imposing peace (with Turks and Arabs), Baskin's remarks are a testament to the ongoing struggle.

Official ratification awaited after Israeli government meeting. In a statement, the Latin primate of Jerusalem speaks of “a first phase” which nevertheless represents “good news”. Fr Romanelli calls for “just and lasting peace”. Consensus reached on the release of prisoners and the withdrawal of troops, but unresolved issues remain to be defined in subsequent phases.

While negotiations continue in Sharm el-Sheikh for the release of the hostages still alive, the family of Bipin Joshi, the last Asian hostage whose fate is still unknown, has authorised the release of some images proving that he was still alive two months after he was seized. The family is “barely holding on” to this.

The vicar to Israel spoke to AsiaNews, expressing hope that peace talks will be given a real chance to stop the carnage in Gaza. Tomorrow, the anniversary of the Hamas attack, prayers will take place to Our Lady of the Rosary on her feast day so that she "supports us on our journey.” For the prelate, unresolved issues remain. “Israelis and Palestinians must show the will to move forward.” The Church's role is to mediate and include.

Announced by Cardinal Pizzaballa and CEI Secretary General Monsignor Baturi. A long-term project to respond to the devastating crisis in the Strip. A pilgrimage by Italian bishops is also being considered. Ten years of Christian contribution to healthcare, from hospitals to the distribution of free medicines and treatment.

For the Jewish leader, a leading figure in relations with Christians and Muslims, the Abrahamic Family House in Abu Dhabi is a "natural partner" to develop point 18 of the US plan to end the war in Gaza. “Such a clause already appears in the Abraham Accords, but nothing was implemented,” he said. For him, everyone is “blessed by the presence of as very wise as well as deeply spiritual Latin Patriarch (Pierbattista Pizzaballa) who understands the fears and aspirations of the different sides of conflict.”

The Palestinian Catholic leader welcomes the 20-point Gaza proposal. For him, it is imperative to stop death and destruction. The issue of Hamas (which is factionally divided) still needs to be addressed. There is hope for a first step towards ending the conflict, and rebuilding without displacing the population or turning Gaza into a “Riviera”. An international force is important as is the role of Muslim countries like Indonesia.

Yesterday, a France-Saudi proposal to recognise full Palestinian sovereignty alongside Israel was presented at the UN. So far, 152 of 193 countries are in favour, but the United States remains opposed. One of the points outlined by Macron in his address is an “International Stabilization Mission”. For Misk, the vote puts the spotlight back on Palestine, but it is only "the first phase”; “other actions" are needed. In the future Palestine, “Muslims, Christians, and Jews must be equal before the law”.

A petition launched by the activist group Zazim brings together Jewish and Arab citizens. The goal is to reach 10,000 signatures by 22 September, when the session promoted by France and Saudi Arabia is scheduled to take place at the UN General Assembly. The initiative is also supported by relatives of the victims of 7 October.