54 h. ago Netanyahu defends Gaza City plan as UN warns of ‘calamity’ and starvation

Israeli PM says taking over city is ‘best way’ to end war, despite condemnation from within Israel and around worldMiddle East crisis – live updatesBenjamin Netanyahu has defended his plan to take control of Gaza City in the face of widespread international outrage, even as senior UN officials warned that the move risked unleashing “another calamity” on a territory already experiencing “starvation, pure and simple”.In a rare press conference with foreign journalists in Jerusalem, the Israeli prime minister said the plan, signed off last week by the security cabinet to criticism both at home and abroad, was “the best way to end the war and the best way to end it speedily.” Continue reading...

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58 h. ago Watch: Netanyahu claims government’s plan to take over Gaza City is ‘best way’ to end war

Watch the moment Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declares that his government’s plan to take control of Gaza City is the “best way” to end the war — a move that has prompted the United Nations Security Council to convene an emergency meeting.

Politics

58 h. ago Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu claims Gaza City expansion plan is 'best way to end the war'

Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed his plan to take over Gaza City is the 'best way to end the war' in the Middle East. 

Politics

58 h. ago Netanyahu claims his Gaza City takeover plan is fastest way to end war – latest updates

Israeli PM’s plan to escalate war has drawn international condemnationSee all our Middle East crisis coverageIsraeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is to hold a press conference with international media in Jerusalem at 4:30pm local time (13:30 GMT; 14:30 BST).He will likely be asked about the security cabinet’s controversial decision on Friday to expand its assault on Gaza and take control of Gaza City.Following the alerts activated in the Gaza Envelope, it is likely that two launches from the Gaza Strip crossed into the country’s territory, interception attempts were made, and their results are under review. Continue reading...

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62 h. ago Israel’s plan to occupy Gaza deepens rift between government and IDF | Lorenzo Tondo

Israelis are united behind the army, and a clash with the military could have irreparable consequences for the administrationIsrael’s decision to approve a plan to occupy the Gaza Strip has reportedly deepened tensions between the government and the country’s military leadership, while also exposing fresh fractures within the army’s senior ranks and straining relations with reservists summoned for what could become the most dangerous phase of the war.According to Israeli media reports, a bruising week of leaks and public recriminations has laid bare the rift between Israel’s political leaders and its military high command. Continue reading...

Politics

4 d. ago Photos show Israelis demonstrating for the release of hostages and ending the Gaza war

Israelis held protests calling for the immediate release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip and for an end to the 22-month war. Israel’s plan to take over Gaza City to pressure Hamas renewed international calls to end the conflict and stirred fears for hostages still in Gaza.

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4 d. ago Voices: Netanyahu’s new plan for Gaza City will be the end of him

Local protests against the Israeli prime minister’s idea to escalate the war and take full military control of Gaza City have been muted so far – but his recklessness will eventually see him removed from office, says former diplomat Alon Pinkas

Politics

4 d. ago The Latest: Israel plans to take control of Gaza City, drawing international condemnation

Israel says it plans to take over Gaza City in another escalation of its 22-month war with Hamas

Politics

4 d. ago John Swinney blasts Gaza takeover plan by Israeli government as 'utterly unacceptable'

The First Minister spoke out amid growing international condemnation of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Politics

4 d. ago Israel announces it will 'take control' of Gaza City as Netanyahu reveals five 'principles for ending the war' including the defeat of Hamas

Under the plan to 'defeat' Hamas in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli 'will prepare to take control of Gaza City while distributing humanitarian assistance to the civilian population outside combat zones'.

Politics

4 d. ago Keir Starmer warns Israel's Gaza escalation 'will only bring more bloodshed'

Keir Starmer has said that Israel's planned occupation of Gaza City, announced overnight, 'will do nothing' to end the war or secure the release of hostages held by Hamas

Events

3 w. ago Woodland to commemorate city's war dead could cost as much as £6m

The logistal challenges and costs are significant so a new way forward is being proposed

Economics

3 w. ago Groundbreaking discovery at ancient city of Troy may prove legendary Trojan War true

Archaeologists have uncovered 3,500-year-old evidence at the ancient city of Troy that may point to a real war behind Homer's legendary tale.

Events

4 w. ago Groundbreaking Trojan War discovery may prove legendary tale true

Archaeologists have uncovered 3,500-year-old evidence at the ancient city of Troy that may point to a real war behind Homer's legendary tale.

Events

4 w. ago Photos of desperate Palestinians reaching for food in Gaza as experts warn of famine

Palestinians desperately reached out for food at a crowded community kitchen on Monday in Gaza City, in northern Gaza Strip. Israel’s war against the militant Hamas group in Gaza has driven the majority of the civilian population in the territory from their homes while aid groups say they have struggled to bring in assistance and experts warn of famine.

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