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Israel Ready For 2nd Phase Negotiation in Cairo

CrossFireArabia
February 16, 2025

Israel’s Security Cabinet will discuss the second phase of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement with Hamas, when the negotiating delegation travels to the Egyptian capital of Cairo on Monday.

Israel delayed negotiations for the second phase, which was scheduled to begin 16 days after the agreement went into effect, as Monday will be the 29th day—a 13-day delay.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement on Sunday that he informed US Middle East envoy Steve Whitcoff during a phone call that the Security Cabinet will convene Monday to discuss the second phase of the deal.

According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu’s statement came shortly after Whitcoff said “productive and constructive” discussions had taken place regarding the second phase, despite Netanyahu’s denial of any ongoing negotiations as reported by Anadolu.

“In coordination with Witkoff, Netanyahu has, today, instructed the negotiations team to leave for Cairo tomorrow (Monday) in order to discuss the continued implementation of the first stage of the deal,” the statement added.

The delegation will receive guidance on the second phase after the Security Cabinet meeting, it added.

The announcement comes as Netanyahu faces mounting domestic and international pressure to move forward with the talks.

On Saturday, families of Israeli captives in Gaza held a press conference outside the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, vowing not to let Netanyahu obstruct the second phase for his political interests.

According to Palestinian human rights organizations, Israel is holding more than 10,000 Palestinians in its prisons.

A ceasefire agreement has been in place in Gaza since Jan. 19, halting Israel’s genocidal war, which has killed nearly 48,300 Palestinians, most of them women and children, and left the enclave in ruins.

Nineteen Israeli captives and five Thai workers have been released in exchange for 1,135 Palestinian prisoners under the first phase of the Gaza agreement, which took effect on Jan. 19.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

News

Arabs Condemn Netanyahu’s Call For Palestinian State in Saudi Arabia

CrossFireArabia
February 9, 2025

Arab countries strongly condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statements suggesting the establishment of a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia.

In an official statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed its “categorical rejection” of such rhetoric, emphasizing that “the Palestinian people have a right to their land, and they are not intruders or immigrants to it who can be expelled whenever the brutal Israeli occupation wishes.”

"The Palestinian people have a right to their land, and they are not intruders or immigrants to it who can be expelled."

Saudi Arabia has condemned Israeli PM Netanyahu’s suggestion that the kingdom’s land be used to establish a Palestinian state https://t.co/7bm41N9O4n pic.twitter.com/BUZyEaz7EB
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) February 9, 2025

The statement said, “This extremist, occupying mentality does not understand what the Palestinian land means to the brotherly people of Palestine,” asserting that Israel “does not think that the Palestinian people deserve to live in the first place.”

The Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Netanyahu’s statements are “a flagrant violation of international law and a blatant infringement of the United Nations Charter.”

The ministry affirmed Qatar’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and reiterated its “categorical rejection of calls for the forced displacement of the brotherly Palestinian people.”

In a statement, Jordan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Sufian al-Qudah said, “The Israeli government continues its provocative policies and statements that undermine the sovereignty of nations and the principles of international law.”

He stressed Jordan’s “absolute rejection of these provocative statements, which reflect an exclusionary and inciting ideology hostile to peace and contribute to further escalation in the region.”

The Foreign Ministry in Muscat, in a statement, reaffirmed “Oman’s firm stance in support of the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on its full sovereign territory in Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on the 1967 borders.”

The Bahraini Foreign Ministry, in a statement, expressed the kingdom’s “strong condemnation and denunciation of the irresponsible Israeli statements regarding the establishment of a Palestinian state on Saudi territory,” considering them a “blatant violation of international law and the UN Charter.”

The ministry reaffirmed “Bahrain’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its unwavering support for its security, stability, and sovereignty.”

The Iraqi Foreign Ministry issued a statement expressing its “firm rejection of these remarks, which constitute a blatant violation of Saudi Arabia’s sovereignty and an attack on the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, in addition to contradicting international law and the UN Charter.”

The ministry emphasized “Iraq’s full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and its unwavering stance in supporting the security, stability, and sovereignty of nations.”

The Yemeni government, in a statement issued by the Foreign Ministry, condemned Israel’s arrogant and provocative remarks against Saudi Arabia, describing them as “a dangerous escalation that threatens the stability of the entire region.”

The ministry warned that “Israel’s arrogant statements not only target Saudi Arabia but also represent a serious escalation that endangers regional stability as a whole.”

https://twitter.com/PressTV/status/1888667745274724703

The Mauritanian Foreign Ministry, in a statement, described the Israeli prime minister’s remarks as “irresponsible,” adding that they “constitute an unacceptable violation of international norms and laws and a provocation that threatens the security and stability of the region.”

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit firmly denounced “in the strongest terms” the Israeli prime minister’s remarks about relocating Palestinians to Saudi Arabia. He emphasized that “the logic behind these statements is completely unacceptable and reflects a total disconnect from reality.”

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jassem Al-Budaiwi stated that “these dangerous and irresponsible statements confirm the approach of the Israeli occupation forces in their lack of respect for international laws and treaties, as well as the sovereignty of nations.”

Palestinian resistance movement Hamas strongly described Netanyahu’s remarks as “hostile toward Saudi Arabia and the Palestinian people, reflecting an arrogant approach and a colonial mindset that disregards the historical rights of the rightful owners of the land.”

On Thursday, Netanyahu suggested that Palestinians should establish their state in Saudi Arabia rather than in their own homeland, dismissing any notion of Palestinian sovereignty.

“The Saudis can create a Palestinian state in Saudi Arabia; they have a lot of land over there,” he said.

Earlier, on Feb. 4, US President Donald Trump said Washington would “take over” Gaza and resettle Palestinians elsewhere under an extraordinary redevelopment plan that he claimed could turn the enclave into “the Riviera of the Middle East.”

His proposal was met with wide condemnations from the Palestinians, Arab countries, and many other nations across the world, including Canada, France, Germany, and the UK as reported in Anadolu.

News

World Condemn Trump’s Plan Over Gaza

CrossFireArabia
February 6, 2025

US President Donald Trump’s recent proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza and place the territory under long-term US control has sparked widespread international backlash.

Unveiled during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the plan envisions transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East” by resettling Palestinians in neighboring countries like Jordan and Egypt.

While the proposal received support from Israel, the global response has been overwhelmingly negative, with strong condemnations from major powers, regional countries, and even US lawmakers.

Global powers reject forced relocation

Both Russia and China criticized the plan, highlighting the violation of international norms.

https://t.co/K6qreNWFK0
Trump's Gaza Plan Rejected By the World, Creates Demand for LaRouche Two-State Oasis Plan pic.twitter.com/89F8weWNRL
— Helga Zepp-LaRouche (@ZeppLaRouche) February 6, 2025

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov reaffirmed Russia’s support for a two-state solution, while the Russian Foreign Ministry said: “Any populist comments are counter-productive and ramp up tensions.”

China condemned the forced displacement, emphasizing that “Palestinians governing Palestine” is fundamental for post-conflict stability.

European countries have also been vocal on the plan, expressing strong opposition.

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock labeled the proposal a breach of international law, stressing that Gaza belongs to the Palestinians.

France reiterated its opposition to any forced displacement, calling it a serious violation of international law.

The UK, under Prime Minister Keir Starmer, supported Palestinian rights to return and rebuild, while Denmark said: “It doesn’t seem to be a realistic way forward.”

Reasserting Italy’s support for the two-state solution, the Italian foreign minister said nothing can be achieved without the Palestinians, noting: “It seems to me that it is a bit difficult (to implement the plan).”

Spain, Ireland, and Slovenia, having recognized Palestine in 2024, condemned the plan, calling it ignorant of Palestinian history and contradiction of the UN Security Council resolutions.

Belgium said forced displacement of populations constitutes “a grave breach of international humanitarian law” while Poland expressed support for a two-state solution.

Canada, where Trump put tariffs on hold last week, said its longstanding position on Gaza has not changed and is committed to achieving a two-state solution.

Relocation plan ‘unacceptable’

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan condemned the plan as “unacceptable,” stressing that even considering such a proposal is wrong. The Turkish Defense Ministry declared its complete opposition to the displacement of Palestinians.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas rejected the plan outright, stating peace cannot be attained without a Palestinian state.

Hamas group called it “hostile,” while Qatar, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia warned it would destabilize the region.

Iran also voiced firm opposition to the plan, and Iraq condemned the plan to displace Palestinians.

Although Latin American countries were largely silent, Brazil’s President Lula da Silva criticized the proposal as “incomprehensible,” questioning where displaced Palestinians would live.

Dissent within US

Despite originating in Washington, the plan faced criticism even from US lawmakers.

Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen condemned it as “ethnic cleansing by another name.” Representative Rashida Tlaib, a Palestinian-American, declared: “Palestinians aren’t going anywhere.”

Even Republican figures like Senator Lindsey Graham found the proposal “problematic,” while Senator Tim Kaine labeled it “deranged.”

Trump’s Gaza relocation plan has united a broad spectrum of global opposition, transcending geopolitical divides.

While no country has openly expressed support for the plan, many countries have remained silent. Argentina, Japan, and India, the countries that sent representatives to Trump’s inauguration, have not made any statements on the issue.

Countries that want to maintain good relations with the new US administration have also remained silent. Latin American countries, where Trump has cracked down on immigration and drugs after taking the office, have so far kept mum.

Aside from Israel, the international community remains steadfast in rejecting forced displacement, advocating instead for a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace in the region according to Anadolu.

Opinion

Trump Goes Rogue

CrossFireArabia
February 6, 2025

Donald Trump has gone rogue during the first days of his second residence in the White House. His executive decrees have upset US global relations and threaten US short, medium and long-term interests.

Trumps’ actions have unsettled this already tense region. His call 2.3 million Palestinians to be expelled from Gaza to Egypt and Jordan and for the US to take-over and develop the Strip as a tourist destination has been rejected by Gazans, Hamas which rules Gaza, the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and the Arab League. They have rejected any attempt to displace Palestinians from their land and called on Trump to support “a just and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on the two-state solution.” This is, of course, rejected by Israel which has colonised the West Bank and annexed East Jerusalem to pre-empt the emergence of a Palestinian state in this territory illegally occupied by Israel since 1967.

Trump’s administration has backed Israel’s January 30th ban on UNRWA, the UN agency caring for Palestinian refugees, which is meant to end its operations in East Jerusalem, the West Bank and Gaza. The UN Palestinian Rights Committee condemned the ban as a “direct violation of the General Assembly mandate [resolution 302 of December 1949] and the resolution [supporting UNRWA’s mandate] recently adopted by the General Assembly by an overwhelming majority.” The ban has also been condemned by Britain, Belgium, Ireland, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Slovenia and Spain. Belgium’s foreign ministry said the Israeli action “sets a disastrous precedent that deeply undermines the multilateral system and the United Nations itself.”

As soon as he took office, Trump ordered a 90-day halt to US foreign and military aid except for Israel (of course) and Egypt. Secretary of State Marco Rubio subsequently issued a waver allowing for “life-saving humanitarian assistance” programmes.

The US gives Israel $3.8 billion a year in military aid and Israel has received an additional $17.9 billion during its genocidal and devastating war on Gaza, according to Brown University’s Costs of War Report. The US has given Egypt $1.2 billion in military aid since the 1978 negotiations which led to the 1979 peace treaty with Israel.

His ignorant and destructive decree has frozen $95 million allocated mainly for Lebanon’s military as the country’s troops deploy in the south to secure Israel’s withdrawal under the fragile ceasefire between Hizbollah and Israel. This sum had previously been earmarked for Israel and Egypt, the Associated Press reported.

The non-governmental organisation managing Syria’s Al-Hol camp has said it will have to end operations without US funding. Controlled by US-sponsored Syrian Democratic Forces. Al-Hol houses more than 40,000 wives and children of Daesh fighters.

The freeze could negatively impact Jordan ($770 million in 2023) and Yemen ($35.9 million) which receive economic aid through the $95 million provided by the US Agency for International Development. The lion’s share of $14.4 billion has been allocated for Ukraine which is fighting the US-led Western war against Russia.

UN and other humanitarian agencies promptly responded to the freeze by ordering reductions in programmes to cut spending. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for exemptions to “ensure the continued delivery of critical development and humanitarian activities for the most vulnerable communities around the world.” Committed to his “America First” policy, Trump cares little for such communities.

Trump has paused for 30-day his imposition of 25 per cent tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico which have threatened to launch a North American trade war. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he would impose tariffs on $106.6 billion worth of US imports to his country. These include beer, wine, fresh fruits and vegetables, processed food, seafood, vehicles, dairy, and spare parts, crude and refined petroleum.

Trump justified his tariffs on Mexico by accusing government of being in league with drug cartels which smuggle drugs into the US, an allegation hotly denied by President Claudia Sheinbaum. She charged the Trump administration of “slander” and told the US to cut the illegal southward flow of guns arming the cartels. She asked her trade minister to respond with 25 per cent tariffs and non-tariff measures. the main goods Mexico exports to the US are computers, cars and vehicles, spare parts and accessories.

Trump justified announced tariffs by saying, “This was done through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act because of the major threat of illegal aliens [crossing into the US] and deadly drugs killing our citizens, including [the addictive drug] fentanyl.”

During the pause, Trump can be expected to use tariff leverage to compel Canada and Mexico to capitulate to his demands on border security and other issues.

Beijing said it would lodge a complaint with the World Trade Organisation as Trump levied a blanket 10 per cent tariff on Chinese goods. Combined, China, Mexico and Canada accounted for more than 40 per cent of imports into the US last year.

He has also threatened tariffs on the European Union which he claims is taking advantage of the US. Trump stated, “They don’t take our cars, they don’t take our farm Products, they take almost nothing, everything from them.”

The Washington Post reported Trump’s tariffs could cost every US household $1,200 which could be ignored by the wealth and absorbed by the middle class while stressing the working class and driving the poor into debt.

Trump has not forgotten his determination to transform Canada into the 51st US state despite overwhelming Canadian rejection and to buy or occupy Greenland which belongs to Denmark. In Panama on his first trip abroad Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US could take action to reassert control over the waterway if the Panamanian government does not exclude Chinese presence around the canal which connects the Caribbean Sea with the Pacific Ocean. The US considers the operations of canal, built by the US between 1904-1914 but ceded to Panama in 1999, a national security issue.

Trump’s ill considered transactional pronouncements and policies have rattled close allies and created global concern over the stability and reliability of the US as the world’s hyperpower.

Michael Jansen is a columnist in the Jordan Times.

Analyses

Amos Harel: Israel Didn’t Defeat Hamas

CrossFireArabia
January 31, 2025

Israeli military analyst Amos Harel has dismissed a “total victory” for Tel Aviv in the Gaza war, arguing that such assertions, promoted by supporters of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, are contrary to the ground reality.

Harel, a military affairs analyst for the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, in his write-up published on Friday, stated, “One has to be a blind follower who has shed all vestiges of doubt and criticism to believe that Israel actually defeated Hamas.”

“The organization sustained a tremendous military blow, but it certainly did not surrender,” he noted, adding that “that’s not consistent with Netanyahu’s declarations about the war’s goals, or with his promises in its course.”

US mediation efforts

Harel also touched on the role of the US in the region, highlighting that the administration of President Donald Trump is pushing for the full implementation of a multi-phase ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas. This contrasts with Netanyahu’s preference to focus solely on the initial phase.

The ceasefire, which began on Jan. 19, is set to last for 42 days in its first stage, with negotiations ongoing for subsequent phases under the mediation of Egypt, Qatar, and the US.

According to Harel, “The visit to the region by Steve Witkoff, US President Donald Trump’s special Mideast Envoy, attested to the mood of the administration.

“Washington views the first phase of the deal as a necessary point of transition to the second phase, which in itself is preparation for the bigger deal.

“Washington views the first phase of the deal as a necessary point of transition to the second phase, which in itself is preparation for the bigger deal: huge US-Saudi contracts accompanied by normalization between Riyadh and Jerusalem.”

He added that “Witkoff was here to ensure that Israel continues on the track laid out by Trump,” with key details expected to be discussed next week in a meeting between Trump and Netanyahu in Washington. This meeting, Harel suggested, holds significant weight as reported in Anadolu.

Challenges to Gaza deportation plans

Harel also addressed Trump’s controversial suggestion of relocating Palestinians from Gaza to neighboring countries, highlighting the practical difficulties in implementing such a proposal.

The idea is partly aimed at maintaining Netanyahu’s coalition with the far right. However, he noted that the chances of executing such a plan are slim.

“Washington’s bargaining power in the Middle East on emigration doesn’t resemble what it’s capable of achieving with its neighbors in Latin America,” said the analyst.

“Trump appears to be looking at Gaza like the real estate entrepreneur he used to be. To resettle the destroyed area, an evacuation-construction project is needed,” he explained.

Harel pointed out that while these proposals align with the long-standing aspirations of Israel’s right-wing to remove Palestinians from the equation, they are likely to face strong resistance.

“Such schemes will inevitably encounter Palestinian opposition, backed by Arab states. At this moment, it is difficult to imagine any Arab leader endorsing Trump’s relocation plan for Gaza,” he concluded.

On Jan. 25, Trump publicly proposed relocating Gaza’s Palestinian population to nearby countries like Egypt and Jordan. His suggestion has been widely rejected by several countries, including Jordan, Iraq, France, Germany, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the UN.