The eldest son of President-elect Donald Trump arrived in Greenland on Tuesday for a private visit that heightened speculation that the incoming U.S. administration could seek to take control of the mineral-rich Danish territory that‘s home to a large U.S. military base.
Archiv: Besuche / visits
‘I saw the blood on the tarmac’: top UN official in Yemen recounts aftermath of Israel airstrike on civilian airport
What was most frightening about that air strike wasn‘t the effect on us, it was that it began as a civilian airliner from Yemenia Airways, carrying hundreds of Yemenis, was about to land. In fact, the plane was taxiing when the air traffic control was destroyed.
Fortunately, that plane was able to land safely, and the passengers were able to disembark but it could have been far, far worse.
The airport is civilian infrastructure. It is where all the international humanitarian aid workers who work in the north of the country enter and leave, so if the airport is disabled it will paralyze humanitarian operations.
It‘s also the airport by which thousands of Yemenis who are unable to get advanced healthcare in the country leave for health facilities in Jordan, Cairo or Mumbai. So, it is an absolute vital humanitarian location. It is essential that all parties to the conflict scrupulously observe international humanitarian law.”
Israeli airstrikes hit a Yemen airport as a jet with hundreds onboard was landing, UN official says
Immediately after the airstrikes, Harneis said, U.N. security officials moved the delegation out of the VIP building and into five armored cars where they waited for approximately 40 minutes to ascertain what happened and help the injured crew member.
He was taken to a hospital in Sanaa and underwent four hours of surgery while the rest of the delegation spent the night in a U.N. compound, Harneis said. The U.N. plane with Tedros and the U.N. team, including the injured crew member, was able to depart for Jordan on Friday afternoon – without an operating control tower.
The United Nations said the injured crew member was taken to a hospital in Jordan, and Tedros was heading back to Geneva, where WHO is based,
Statement by Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General on the attack on the Sana‘a airport, Yemen
(December 26, 2024)
As we were about to board our flight from Sana’a, about three hours ago (around 5 pm local time), the airport came under aerial bombardment. One of our plane’s crew members was injured. At least two people were reported killed at the airport.
The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters from where we were — and the runway were damaged. We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave.
WHO chief unharmed following during Israeli airstrike at Yemen airport
Tedros was in Yemen to negotiation the release of UN staffers who have been held hostage by the Houthi movement for several months, and assess the health and humanitarian situation in the country.
With the mission concluded, explained the WHO chief, he and his team were about to board their flight out of the country, when the airport came under attack. As well as two reported deaths, a member of his plane’s crew was injured.
The air traffic control tower and the departure lounge were both damaged. Tedros and his team were just metres away but are unharmed.
USCENTCOM Commander Visits Syria and Iraq
Syria
Today, Dec. 10, Gen. Kurilla visited U.S. military commanders and servicemembers, as well as our Defeat-ISIS partners, the Syrian Democratic Forces, at several bases in Syria. He received a firsthand assessment of force protection measures, the rapidly evolving situation, and ongoing efforts to prevent ISIS from exploiting the current situation. USCENTCOM remains committed to the enduring defeat of ISIS.
Iraq
After visiting Syria, Gen. Kurilla visited Baghdad where he met with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia‘ al Sudani, Chief of Staff Gen. Abdul Amir Rashid Yarallah, and Iraqi Joint Operations Deputy Commander Gen. Qais al-Muhammadawai. The leaders discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation and regional security, the rapidly changing situation in Syria, as well as the defeat-ISIS operations in Iraq.
Jeremy Corbyn and KKE Delegation Meets Hadash MK Ofer Cassif
British political leader Jeremy Corbyn welcomed today, Saturday, November 23, Hadash MK Ofer Cassif at the Peace & Justice Project office in London. “Dr Cassif was suspended from the Knesset for speaking out against the genocide in Gaza. We need more brave voices like his to bring about justice for the Palestinians,” said Corbyn to journalists.
On Friday, a delegation from the International Relations Section of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) met with Cassif, a member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Israel, during his brief stay in Athens.
IAEA chief tours two key Iranian nuclear facilities
In 2015, Iran proved the peaceful nature of its nuclear program to the world by signing the multilateral nuclear agreement, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) — with six world powers.
However, Washington’s unilateral withdrawal in 2018 and its subsequent re-imposition of sanctions against Tehran left the future of the deal in limbo.
In 2019, Iran started to roll back the limits it had accepted under the JCPOA after the other parties failed to live up to their commitments.
Joint Statement by the Atomic Energy Organization of Iran (AEOI) and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
(March 3, 2023)
The AEOI and the IAEA agreed on the following:
– Interactions between the IAEA and Iran will be carried out in a spirit of collaboration, and in full conformity with the competences of the IAEA and the rights and obligations of the Islamic Republic of Iran, based on the comprehensive safeguards agreement.
– Regarding the outstanding safeguards issues related to the three locations, Iran expressed its readiness to continue its cooperation and provide further information and access to address the outstanding safeguards issues.
– Iran, on a voluntary basis will allow the IAEA to implement further appropriate verification and monitoring activities. Modalities will be agreed between the two sides in the course of a technical meeting which will take place soon in Tehran.
Italy PM to visit Lebanon following Israeli targeting of UNIFIL
Meloni will be the first head of state or government to visit the country since Israel escalated attacks on Lebanon on 23 September.
King meets Mikati, says Jordan stands with Lebanon
During a meeting with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati at Al Husseiniya Palace, His Majesty stressed Jordan’s readiness to support the Lebanese people and mitigate the impact of the ongoing war on them, according to a Royal Court statement.
At the meeting, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein, the King said Jordan is working in coordination with Arab and key international actors to put a stop to the Israeli war on Lebanon.
Hurrikan „Milton“: Biden verschiebt Deutschland-Besuch
(8. Oktober 2024)
„Angesichts der vorhergesagten Route und der Stärke des Hurrikans“ werde der Präsident seine Reise nach Deutschland und Angola verschieben und sich darum kümmern, die Vorbereitungen auf den Sturm zu überwachen, hieß es in einer Erklärung des Weißen Hauses in Washington.
US-Außenminister Antony Blinken sagte seine Deutschlandreise wegen Hurrikans ebenfalls ab. Blinken werde vom Außenministertreffen der ASEAN-Staaten in Laos in die Hauptstadt Washington zurückkehren, erklärte Ministeriumssprecher Matthew Miller.
Der amerikanische Präsident in Deutschland – Joe Biden besucht seine Kolonie
(7. Oktober 2024)
Für den 10. Oktober hat sich US-Präsident Joseph (Joe) Biden wenige Monate vor dem Ende seiner Amtszeit zu einem Abschiedsbesuch in Deutschland angesagt.[1] Fraglich, ob er erwünscht ist, aber es ist davon auszugehen, dass er mit allen Ehren empfangen wird. Wie das Weiße Haus mitteilte, werde er führende deutsche Politiker treffen, um „die enge Verbindung der Vereinigten Staaten und Deutschland als Verbündete und Freunde weiter zu stärken und sich über gemeinsame Prioritäten abzustimmen“.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi makes unannounced visit to Beirut
For his part, Mikati briefed Araghchi on the latest situation in Lebanon, terming Israel‘s acts of aggression as a real example of war crimes.
While he lamented the inaction of the UN Security Council against the dangerous adventures of the Zionist enemy, the Lebanese prime minister appreciated the support of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the Lebanese government and people amid unrelenting Israeli strikes.
Israel strikes main Lebanon-Syria highway after overnight attacks on Beirut and West Bank
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beirut on Friday, the most senior international official to visit Lebanon since Nasrallah‘s killing. He arrived at Beirut’s airport, where overnight an Israeli strike landed nearby.
Mr Araghchi is confirmed to meet Prime Minister Najib Mikati and speaker of parliament Nabih Berri.
Israel said to push US to present credible military threat or attack Iran’s nuclear sites
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi visited the Northern Command headquarters earlier today with his American counterpart, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. Charles Q. Brown, Jr.
US Chair of Joint Chiefs of Staff in Israel for Unannounced Visit
(24.08.2024)
Brown landed in Jordan on Friday, where he told reporters he would visit Egypt as well as Israel to meet with senior military officials in each country.
China, Germany send strong message of mutually beneficial cooperation to stabilize world: Global Times editorial
The two sides not only had in-depth discussions on current China-Germany relations but also exchanged views on international and regional issues of mutual interest, reaching consensus on issues such as the Ukraine crisis and the Palestine-Israel conflict. As China and Germany are respectively the second and third largest economies in the world, the consolidation and development of their relations carries significance that goes beyond the bilateral scope, and has a major impact on the Eurasian continent and the entire world, Xi said, calling on the two countries to view and develop bilateral relations from a long-term and strategic perspective, and work together to inject greater stability and certainty into the world.
Xi schlägt vier Grundsätze zur Lösung der Ukraine-Krise vor
Xi traf sich mit dem zu Besuch weilenden deutschen Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz in Beijing, und die beiden führenden Politiker tauschten sich in ihren Gesprächen eingehend über die Krise in der Ukraine aus.
Xi betonte, dass in der derzeitigen Situation alle Parteien zusammenarbeiten sollten, um den Frieden so schnell wie möglich wiederherzustellen, damit der Konflikt nicht außer Kontrolle gerate. Zu diesem Zweck schlug er vier Grundsätze vor.
Kanzler besucht Xi Jinping: Warum Scholz sich in China schwergetan hat
Olaf Scholz spricht mit der chinesischen Regierung vor allem über Geopolitik und Wirtschaft. Trotz drei möglicher Handelsabkommen: Ein Handschlag zwischen Scholz und Xi bleibt aus.
US hasn‘t ruled out consequences for Israel over looming Rafah operation: What would that look like?
„It‘s very, very important,“ Ziv said of U.S. military aid to Israel. Placing conditions on it, he said, „creates a dangerous precedent for Israel because it just wasn‘t in the cards up until now.“ (…)
The U.S. could continue to abstain or even support United Nations resolutions that Israel finds unfavorable, as it did this week.
In reversal, Netanyahu sending delegation to White House for Rafah talks
(27.03.2024)
It‘s a sharp reversal by Netanyahu who on Monday canceled the same trip by the same people in protest over the U.S. not vetoing a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The fallout over the canceled trip and a deadlock in hostage talks added to already spiraling relations between Netanyahu and the Biden administration.
At Rafah border crossing to Gaza, UN’s Guterres calls for immediate ceasefire
“Here from this crossing, we see the heartbreak and heartlessness of it all,” he said, pointing to a long line of blocked relief trucks on one side of the gates and the “long shadow of starvation on the other”.
“That is more than tragic; moral outrage,” he said, adding that “any further onslaught will make everything worse” for Palestinian civilians, hostages and all people of the region.
All this demonstrates that it’s more than time for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and for “an ironclad commitment by Israel for total, unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza”, he said, emphasizing that in the Ramadan spirit of compassion, it’s time for the immediate release of all hostages.
He also urged all UN Member States to support the “lifesaving work led by the backbone of all Gaza relief operations, UNRWA”, the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees.
Pledging to continue working with Egypt to streamline the flow of aid, he had a message for Palestinians in Gaza: “you are not alone.”
Scholz: Goals of Gaza war do not seem to justify the means
Germany has been one of Israel’s staunch allies in its war against Hamas.
In a manner akin to the Biden administration, Scholz has a stern message for Netanyahu about the IDF’s conduct during the war, particularly its failure to ensure the distribution of aid, which has led to a hunger crisis in Gaza.
Germany can‘t sit by and watch Gaza starve, Scholz tells Netanyahu
„We cannot stand by and risk Palestinian women and men starving. Much more humanitarian aid must reach Gaza, a way must be found to improve the means of distribution,“ Scholz said, as Western nations increase their criticism of ally Israel.
Still, Scholz reaffirmed his belief that Israel „has a right to defend itself“ without addressing whether that same right is extended to Palestinians.
Netherlands Protest LIVE: Protest In Amsterdam Against Israeli President Herzog | Gaza War | IN18L
Israeli President Isaac Herzog is to attend the opening of the National Holocaust Museum in Amsterdam on Sunday amid a planned protest against Israel‘s killing of tens of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza.
Never again is now: protest against Israeli president Herzog!
From Erev Rav:
„NEVER AGAIN IS NOW
We express our deep concern regarding the upcoming opening of the Dutch National Holocaust Museum, where Israeli president Yitzhak Herzog is scheduled to attend alongside Dutch king Willem-Alexander.
While we honor the memory of our ancestors who perished in the Holocaust and recognize the importance of preserving their memory, we cannot stand by silently while the genocide in Gaza continues to unfold.
We are organizing a peaceful protest moment during the opening ceremony of the National Holocaust Museum.
We as Jews deserve better than the instrumentalisation of our pain in order to justify an ongoing genocide!
Dutch pro-Palestinian group demands arrest of Isaac Herzog for ‚war crimes and genocide‘ in Gaza
(07.03.2024)
Ahead of president Isaac Herzog‘s scheduled visit to the Netherlands on Sunday, a local pro-Palestinian organization submitted a request to arrest him for war crimes in Gaza. The Foreign Affairs and Justice ministries are preparing to prevent embarrassment and to ensure that there will be no harm during the visit.
Biden officials deliver a tough message on Gaza to Netanyahu’s chief political foe
Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Gantz, a member of the Israeli war cabinet, as the US seeks to ratchet up pressure on the Netanyahu government to allow more aid into Gaza. Those calls have gone largely unheeded as the humanitarian crisis deepens and ceasefire talks have yet to reach a breakthrough.
US rift with Netanyahu grows as top officials meet with his rival: Updates
The Biden administration‘s rift with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu became even more acute Sunday, when Vice President Kamala Harris called for a cease-fire in Gaza the day before a controversial meeting with a top Israeli official and longtime Netanyahu rival.
Israeli Cabinet minister Benny Gantz traveled to Washington without the endorsement of Netanyahu, who instructed the Israeli Embassy in the U.S. to withhold assistance in arranging his meetings, Israel Hayom reported.
U.S. visit by Netanyahu’s rival Gantz signals wider cracks in Israel’s wartime leadership
An official from Netanyahu’s far-right Likud party said Gantz’s trip was planned without authorization from the Israeli leader. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said Netanyahu had a “tough talk” with Gantz and told him the country has “just one prime minister.”
Harris will meet with Israeli Cabinet official who is in Washington despite Netanyahu’s rebuke
Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday is hosting a member of Israel’s wartime Cabinet who is visiting Washington in defiance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Benny Gantz, a centrist political rival of Netanyahu, is sitting down with several senior Biden administration officials this week, including Harris, Secretary of State Antony Blinken,
Netanyahu ‚does not approve‘ of Gantz trip to Washington
„The prime minister made it clear to Gantz last night that he does not approve of his trip to Washington. Any official trip abroad by a minister that is not private but rather in an official capacity requires approval from the prime minister,“ the senior figure was quoted as saying.
A statement from Gantz confirmed that he would meet with Harris, as well as with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Republican and Democratic members of US Congress.
Dutch appeals court orders Netherlands to stop exports of F-35 parts to Israel, citing war in Gaza
The exports must cease within seven days.
The decision came as Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte traveled to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to discuss the conflict.
Albares begins Middle East tour to promote regional de-escalation of the conflict
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation, José Manuel Albares, today begins a tour of the Middle East that will first take him to Lebanon, then to Iraq, where he will hold meetings at the highest level with the aim of boosting the chances of achieving a regional de-escalation that will result in greater stability in the area.
Iraq‘s MoFA: Minister of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation José Manuel Albares Bueno is to arrive this evening for an official visit to Iraq. Bueno is set to hold meetings with Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, and PM Al-Sudani.
Germany holds its nose, paving the way for future jet fighter sale to Saudi Arabia
(08.01.2023)
The change was signaled by Green Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during a trip to Israel on Sunday.
Saudi Arabia still interested in Israel normalisation after war on Gaza ends
Prince Khalid bin Bandar, the Saudi ambassador in London, told the BBC on Tuesday that a normalisation deal was „close“ but the kingdom paused US-brokered talks after the attack on Israel on 7 October by Hamas-led fighters.
„For us, the final end point definitely included nothing less than an independent state of Palestine,“ he said.
Secretary Blinken’s Meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Al ‘Ula
The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:
Secretary Blinken’s Travel to Türkiye, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank, and Egypt
Secretary Antony J. Blinken will travel to Istanbul, Türkiye; Crete, Greece; Amman, Jordan; Doha, Qatar; Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates; Al ‘Ula, Saudi Arabia; Tel Aviv, Israel; the West Bank; and Cairo, Egypt from January 4-11, 2024.
Blinken to return for ME trip next week- to Israel, PA, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar
Tues, Dermer & Sullivan spoke on ‘day after’ plans including governance & security w/ a political horizon for palestinians & continuing Israel’s normalization