34 h. ago Hamas’s aim to retain authority in Gaza involves keeping the guns

With no law, order or any alternative administration under the ceasefire, the group is using violence to deter rivalsThroughout Israel’s two-year war in Gaza, aid officials working in the territory avoided naming Hamas in conversations they suspected might be intercepted, instead referring to the militant Islamist group as the “de facto authority”.This careful euphemism for Hamas, which violently seized power in 2007, captured an important truth. Though the group was a less obvious presence in the last months of the conflict, in the absence of any alternative, it remained the closest the increasingly devastated territory had to a ruler. Continue reading...

Culture

2 w. ago Postwar Gaza authority potentially led by Tony Blair ‘would sideline Palestinians’

Draft plan’s critics say it hands power to international figures and splits Gaza from Palestinian Authority in West BankA plan for a postwar Gaza governing authority potentially headed by the former UK prime minister Tony Blair would sideline key Palestinian political figures, while giving significant authority to its chair on most key issues, according to a leaked confidential proposal.The 21-page draft document, seen by the Guardian and Haaretz in Israel, envisions the governance and reconstruction of postwar Gaza being led by international officials, with Palestinians relegated to subsidiary roles. It also proposes a Gaza investment promotion and economic development authority involving “public-private partnerships and blended finance instruments” aimed at delivering “commercially viable returns” for investors. Continue reading...

Events

3 w. ago Washington backing plan for Tony Blair to head transitional Gaza authority

Proposal for international body to oversee Gaza for up to five years counters UN-backed plan for faster transition to Palestinian ruleThe White House is backing a plan under which the former British prime minister Tony Blair would head a temporary administration of the Gaza Strip, initially without the direct involvement of the Palestinian Authority (PA), according to reports in the Israeli media.Under the proposal, Blair would head a body called the Gaza International Transitional Authority (Gita) which would have a mandate to be Gaza’s “supreme political and legal authority” for as long as five years. Continue reading...

Culture

3 w. ago Arsenal ‘make contact’ with Juventus star Kenan Yildiz after he rejected Chelsea transfer offer in the summer

ARSENAL are mulling over a big-money swoop for Juventus wonderkid Kenan Yildiz, according to reports. It was claimed over the summer that Chelsea had a £70million bid knocked back by Juve. But that hasn't put Arsenal off as they keep tabs on one of Europe's brightest young talents. Gunners chiefs have contacted Yildiz's camp about...

Sport

3 w. ago Arsenal v Man City live: Saliba starts and Saka on Gunners bench as Guardiola keeps winning team

Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal faces off against his former mentor Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in a heavyweight Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium

Politics

4 w. ago Appeals court keeps New York’s gun restrictions in place, including Times Square and subway ban

A federal appeals court has effectively upheld a state law in New York that bars firearms in “sensitive” locations including Times Square, the New York City subway system and commuter trains

Events