Palestine

Trump’s Gaza ‘takeover’ marks sharp break from US policy

BY PROPOSING to “take over” Gaza, US President Donald Trump has not only stunned the world but also departed from long-standing US policy in supporting a Palestinian state.

A UN damage assessment released in January showed that clearing over 50 million tonnes of rubble left in Gaza after the war could take 21 years and cost up to US$1.2 billion.

Trump vows to take over Gaza and create ‘Riviera of the Middle East’

The shock move was swiftly condemned by international powers, with Saudi Arabia rejecting the plan outright

Released hostage Romi Gonen embraces loved ones at Sheba Medical Centre in Ramat Gan, Israel, after being held in Gaza since the deadly Oct 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, Jan 19, 2025.

First Israeli hostages freed as Gaza truce begins

THREE Israeli hostages released on Sunday from Gaza were reunited with their families, on the first day of a long-awaited truce aimed at ending more than 15 months of war that has ravaged the Palestin...

People attend a vigil on the eve of the anniversary of the Hamas attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct 6, 2024.

Ahead of attack anniversary, Netanyahu says: ‘We will win’

ISRAELI Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday vowed victory and said his country’s military “completely transformed reality” in the year since Hamas’s Oct 7 attack, which has left the country fi...

Palestinian boxer Wasim Abusal (right) found himself supported by a raucous crowd at the boxing venue when he lined up for his first bout in the preliminaries.

War gives Palestinian Olympians a new role – athlete-diplomats

They have become minor celebrities, fielding requests for photographs, hugs and pins wherever they go

Screens show the voting result during the United Nations General Assembly vote on May 10 on a draft resolution that would recognise the Palestinians as qualified to become a full UN member.

145 countries now recognise a Palestinian state

Israel’s war in Gaza since the October 7 attack has revived a global push for Palestinians to be given a state of their own.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says that it has now become critical to activate the Arab safety net, boost the resilience of our people, and enable the government to carry out its duties.

Palestinian president calls on Arab countries for financial support

THE Palestinian government has not received the financial support it had expected from international and regional partners, President Mahmoud Abbas said at an Arab League summit on Thursday (May 16).

Friday’s vote comes as the ties between the United States and Israel, its closest ally in the Middle East, are tested over the war in the Gaza Strip.

White House defends voting ‘No’ on UN resolution supporting Palestinian statehood

A White House spokesperson on Friday (May 10) defended the United States’ decision to oppose a UN resolution declaring support for Palestinian statehood, saying that such a measure should be negotiate...

Screens show the voting result during the United Nations General Assembly vote on a draft resolution that would recognize the Palestinians as qualified to become a full UN member.

UN General Assembly backs Palestinian bid for membership

THE United Nations General Assembly on Friday (May 10) backed a Palestinian bid to become a full UN member by recognising it as qualified to join and recommending the UN Security Council “reconsider t...

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian says both Hamas and Fatah had thanked Beijing for its efforts to “promote Palestinian internal unity and reached an agreement on further dialogue”.

China says Hamas and Fatah express will for reconciliation

RIVAL Palestinian groups Hamas and Fatah have expressed the will to seek reconciliation through dialogue at unity talks in Beijing, China’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday (Apr 30).