24 h. ago FIFA chief Gianni Infantino REFUSES to wade in on Israel football row as World Cup boss insists governing body 'cannot solve political problems' amid calls to kick team out of tournament

European governing body UEFA has also shelved plans to boot Israel out of European competition in the wake of Donald Trump's peace plan, easing pressure on Infantino.

Politics

28 h. ago Hamas military chief 'WON'T accept Trump's peace plan and will continue to fight Israel in Gaza'

Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who played a key role in the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, is thought to believe the deal was designed to finish Hamas, whether the group accepts it or not.

Politics

41 h. ago Trump signs order promising measures, including military, to defend Qatar

Text appears meant to assure the Qataris following Israel’s surprise attack on the country targeting Hamas leadersDonald Trump has signed an executive order vowing to use all measures including US military action to defend the energy-rich nation of Qatar – though it remains unclear just what weight the pledge will carry.The text of the order, available Wednesday on the White House’s website but dated Monday, appears to be another measure by Trump to assure the Qataris following Israel’s surprise attack on the country targeting Hamas leaders as they weighed accepting a ceasefire with Israel over the war in the Gaza Strip. Continue reading...

Events

50 h. ago Israel says ‘last opportunity’ for Gaza City residents to leave

Defence minister issues warning, while Hamas reportedly considers seeking amendments to Trump plan The Israeli military has issued what it said was its final warning for Gaza City residents to flee as it intensified its bombardment and offensive on Wednesday, while Hamas was reportedly considering requesting amendments to Donald Trump’s ceasefire ultimatum.Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, said the warning was the last opportunity for people to move to southern Gaza as the military encircled the city. Gaza’s civil defence agency said on Wednesday that Israeli forces had killed at least 46 people, including 36 in Gaza City. Continue reading...

Politics

54 h. ago Israeli minister says ‘last opportunity’ for Gaza City residents to flee – Middle East crisis live

Israeli offensive intensifies amid reports Hamas will seek amendments to Trump’s Gaza planHere are some images coming in via the newswires today:The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said that the “intensification of military operations in Gaza City” has forced the humanitarian organisation to temporarily suspend operations at its Gaza City office and relocate its staff to ICRC offices in southern Gaza “to ensure staff safety and operational continuity”.The ICRC will continue to strive to provide support to civilians in Gaza City, whenever circumstances allow, from our offices in Deir al-Balah and Rafah, which remain fully operational. This includes providing medical donations to the few remaining health facilities in Gaza City and doing the utmost to facilitate the movements of first responders. In Rafah, the Red Cross Field hospital will continue to be a lifeline for the many wounded patients pouring in.The ICRC has been in Gaza City for decades. Following the latest...

Politics

58 h. ago Israel to close last remaining route from southern Gaza to the north as it continues offensive on Gaza City – Middle East crisis live

Hamas has said it will review the outline of Trump’s Gaza plan, as leaders across the Middle East voiced support for the proposalThe Australian government has said it is “deeply concerned” about the safety of its citizens on board a flotilla to Gaza, with expectations the boats could be intercepted by Israeli forces as early as Wednesday afternoon Australian time.The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has said they have been in contact with six Australians confirmed to be on flotilla consisting of more than 40 ships.I’m deeply concerned by the alleged drone attacks on the Global Sumud Flotilla and the risks to the safety of Australians and other passengers onboard.Australia calls on all parties to respect international law and international humanitarian law, and to refrain from any unlawful or violent act against the flotilla.I think people feel pretty calm. And because everybody is really, really concerned about what’s happening in Palestine every single day, it really kind of...

Politics

69 h. ago ‘I hope Hamas will accept it’: Pope Leo praises Trump’s Gaza plan

The US President unveiled his plan during the Israeli prime minister’s visit to the White House on Monday

Politics

2 d. ago Uefa puts Israel vote on hold after Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan

National federations accept decision to pause Israel banMaccabi Tel Aviv due to face Dinamo Zagreb on ThursdayUefa has paused plans to ban Israel from European football after the announcement of Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for the region.Expectation had been growing of a decisive intervention by Uefa this week, amid growing pressure within football and from outside groups, including the United Nations. But Trump’s announcement of his plan in a joint press conference with Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday put any measures on hold. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago UEFA respond to Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan and DELAY crucial vote that could see Israel barred from the World Cup

MIKE KEEGAN: The continent's governing body had been considering holding an emergency meeting of its executive committee next week amid reports a majority were in favour of a ban.

Politics

3 d. ago It’s the art of the dodgy deal, Middle East edition: author Donald Trump, updated by Jared Kushner | Marina Hyde

Does the Donald know that there’s a new master negotiator in town? Of course he does, he taught the apprentice everything he knowsAny dramatist seeking a character through whom to distil the sold-out madness of the present times could do a lot worse than President Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. Yesterday exposed Jared’s starring role in not one but two current deals. 1. History’s biggest-ever leveraged buyout, of video game giant Electronic Arts (EA), which Kushner’s firm is taking private and effectively into Saudi ownership. And 2. “Eternal peace in the Middle East”, as per what has been widely referred to as “the Kushner-Blair plan” for Gaza. Busy week for Jared! He’s popping up at so many seismic moments – just call him Forrest Trump.Quick refresher on our boy: he is married to Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka, and previously served as a senior adviser in his father-in-law’s first administration, taking the opportunity of Trump’s election loss/unfortunate insurrection-fostering...

Politics

3 d. ago Trump gives Hamas ‘three or four days’ to respond to Gaza peace plan or face ‘a very sad end’ – live

Ultimatum comes as Netanyahu says he did not agree to Palestinian state as part of Trump Gaza plan, and IDF will remain ‘in most of territory’What’s in Trump’s 20-point peace plan for Gaza?The Gaza health ministry has announced on Telegram that 453 people, including 150 children, have died of famine and malnutrition in Gaza.Since the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared famine in Gaza in August, a further 175 deaths have been recorded, among them 35 children. Continue reading...

Politics

3 d. ago Trump says Hamas has ‘three or four days’ to respond to Gaza peace plan: Live updates

Netanyahu says Israel will 'forcibly resist' Palestinian statehood

Politics

3 d. ago Who is set to be on Trump’s Board of Peace? Tony Blair named as part of Israel

Tony Blair would have a central role in any post-war plans for the beleaguered Palestinian enclave laid out by Washington

Politics

3 d. ago Netanyahu warns Hamas to accept Trump’s Gaza peace plan including role for Tony Blair: Live updates

Former British PM Tony Blair would join Gaza’s governing board — run by Trump — under a sweeping White House plan

Events

3 d. ago Hamas studying Donald Trump's plan to govern Gaza with Tony Blair

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer urges Hamas and Israel to ‘finalise this agreement and bring it into reality’

Politics

3 d. ago Netanyahu warns Hamas to accept Trump’s Gaza peace plan that includes role for Tony Blair: Live updates

Former British PM Tony Blair would join Gaza’s governing board — run by Trump — under a sweeping White House plan

Events

3 d. ago Trump and Netanyahu demand Hamas accept Gaza peace plan: Live updates

Former British PM Tony Blair would join Gaza’s governing board — run by Trump — under a sweeping White House plan

Politics

3 d. ago Donald Trump will 'run Gaza' with Sir Tony Blair as part of 20

The United States president would oversee the transitional governance of the besieged Palestinian territory

Politics

3 d. ago Trump and Tony Blair set to run Gaza if Hamas accepts ‘peace plan’ but Netanyahu vows to ‘finish the job’ if not: Live updates

Former British PM would join Gaza’s governing board — run by Trump — under a sweeping White House plan

Society

3 d. ago Trump and Netanyahu unveil Gaza ‘peace plan’ that depends on Hamas surrender or Israel will ‘finish the job by itself’: Live updates

Tony Blair would join governing board for Gaza under sweeping 20-point plan from White House

Politics